![]() Auxier sets his tale in the third, leaving the reader to decide whether or not the book should be this deftly described. Or rather, you would be if the book was first person. Next thing he knows, Peter has pilfered a box containing three pairs of magical eyes and in accepting them he allows himself to take part in a marvelous, epic adventure.Ī difficulty with writing a story from the perspective of a blind protagonist is that you’re limited to that person’s senses. All seems bleak until the day Peter stops to listen to a crazy haberdasher who has come to town. This talent is swiftly exploited by the nasty Mr. On his own he manages to use his talents to become the world's greatest thief. ![]() Found floating in the sea, his eyes pecked out (presumably by the raven perched there), Peter is abandoned to the wilds of the world. They get adopted by pharaohs' daughters and the like, right? Well, that may be the case for some babies, but Peter Nimble isn’t exactly the lucky sort. That Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes succeeds in this endeavor is a testament not only to its author but to a publishing world that’s willing to put out something that doesn’t slot into the usual five categories of books for youth.īabies found floating in baskets usually turn out quite well. It is incredibly difficult to write a book for the youth of today that is interesting to them and yet manages to feel “timeless” without covering itself in must and dust. Of course there are as many bad books for kids that try to reach that golden goal as there are good ones. What do they answer? Would they even know where to begin? I wonder since the memorable children’s books of the past, the ones that we hold in our hearts and pass along from generation to generation have a quality that most children’s books today don’t bother to cultivate: timelessness. Pose the question to a room full of kids now. ![]() They’re smarter, hipper, less didactic, and so on and such. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes - wonderful fa.What is the most telling difference between those works of children’s literature written long ago and those written today? Pose this question to a room full of children’s librarians and I suspect that the answers would be myriad.Chronicles of Harris Burdick - a fascinating colle.The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini (age.I Want My Hat Back, by Jon Klassen (ages 4 - 8).A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness (ages 12 - 15).Review ©2011 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books. Portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small The review copy was kindly sent by Jonathan Auxier and Abrams Books. Entice kids by showing them this fantastic trailer for Peter Nimble: Want to know more? Head over to the website for Peter Nimble. ![]() This would make a great read aloud (either at home or in class) for kids who love fantasy. Auxier's writing style is complex and he uses complicated vocabulary, but he builds such vivid scenes with strong characters and clear action that children are pulled through. There is so much to think about within this book - she's been able to sink really deeply into the story, asking herself questions, wondering and predicting as she goes along. One of the highlights of my fall has been talking with a student each week as she's been reading Peter Nimble. Young fantasy fans will love the suspense, the action and the climax in this enthralling book. But most of all, I loved Auxier's writing, the way he carefully leaves hints about Peter's quest and identity, but just enough so that I guessed what was happening just before it happened. I loved the world Auxier has created, Peter's determined character, Sir Tode's wit, and the final climax. Peter and Sir Tode quickly find themselves launched on an epic quest to rescue a vanished kingdom, traveling by sea, across desert and underground. Peter befriends Sir Tode, a bewitched knight who is half-cat, half-horse the pair set out to solve a riddle that is a desperate call for help. Putting a set into his own eyes, Peter is suddenly whisked away to a magical land with knights, evil rulers, and a mysterious cry for help.Īuxier has created a exciting debut, with elements of magic, adventure, companionship and suspense as Peter battles against all odds. But Peter’ wretched existence takes a complete turn when he steals a box containing three pairs of mysterious eyes. Seamus, who makes him steal for his supper (yes, do think of Dickens’ Fagin). Despite the fact that he is blind, he can sense his surroundings, pick locks and pocket treasures better than any other thief. At an early age, Peter learns the careful art of thievery, necessary for his survival. Available at your local library, favorite bookstore, or AmazonĪbandoned as an infant, Peter Nimble has always known how to fend for himself.
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