Ill. Ayesha L. Rubio
Pub. Puffin (2020)
Age Range - 10+ years
Way back in the autumn of 1880, five babies are discovered at the Little
Tulip Orphanage in most unusual circumstances. Those babies are Lotta,
Egbert, Fenna, Sem and Milou. The vile matron calls the children 'the
unadoptables' but this talented gang of best friends know that their
individuality is what makes them so special - and so determined to stay
together. When a sinister gentleman tries to get them in his
clutches, the children make a daring escape across the frozen canals of
Amsterdam, embarking on an adventure packed with pirate ships and
puppets. But is their real home - and their real family - already closer
than they realize?
I found it a little slow in the beginning, but I came back to
it and found it to be an exciting, emotional journey that I'm hugely
glad I finished. Credible villains and enough twists and turns to keep
you on edge, it's an original story in an interesting setting that will
keep you guessed right to the epilogue - thoroughly recommended.
teaching ideas
chapter by chapter comprehension questions