About This Book:
Fourteen-year-old Hannah Bradbury loved her father so much that she worried about him constantly. After all, he was a photographer who traveled to the most dangerous places in the world.
To allay her fears, each time he came home he brought her silly gifts, each one with supposed magical powers: the Seal of Solomon, the Ring of Gyges, even Aladdin’s Lamp. It was that lamp Hannah found the most unbelievable, for it looked like an ugly teapot. Nevertheless, her father assured her it was real, and made her promise to save her three wishes for something very special.
Then . . . six months later . . . the unthinkable happened. Her father was killed while on assignment to Baghdad. And so on the day of his funeral Hannah did something she never thought she would ever do.
She took out that teapot and gave it a rub . . .
The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes is a timeless tale, filled with magic and adventure. More importantly, it will make you believe in the overwhelming power of love.
**Review Contributed by Kelly St Claire, Staff Reviewer**
Exotic tale of loss and hope
The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes
The Story:
Unable to accept her father’s death, Hannah decides to test the supposedly magical lamp in her closet by wishing for him back. The consequences of this wish take her on an exotic journey, full of wonder and peril.
The Characters:
Hannah is an intelligent, quirky, and devastated young girl who is a pleasure to read. Her desire to have her father back is heartfelt and well-portrayed. As one would expect of a protagonist her age, she makes mistakes and learns. Her growth through the story is spurred by the need to overcome her worst fears, and accept harsh realities. Mr. Holmes gives the reader a skillful depiction of the hope and amazement seen in a character this age—I particularly liked the connection she has with her dog, Griff.
Seeing a side to the magician antagonist which prompted empathy could have strengthened his presence. However, the addition of the sultan and his family was nice, Gus was a favorite, and all-in-all every character in The Ugly Teapot adds to tale.
The World:
Legends and mythical creatures are incorporated into an otherwise normal Earth. We travel through many countries and deep into places such as The Cave of the Forty Thieves. We met genies, magicians, and sultans. Younger readers will be held riveted as Hannah leaves the confines of her small town and enters into a world of marvel and miracles.
The Readability:
Holmes’s style is playful and light, perfect for the story he writes. The language is exotic and speaks of magic and exploration. Humor is integrated to lighten some of the heavier themes, and while the pace of the plot dropped in a couple of places, the writing and characters are engaging enough to keep the reader in the story. The ending was not completely satisfactory—more explanation would have left me completely content. However, Hannah made the important realisations we expect her to, and the story is left on a note of mystery—which keeps the imagination whirling.
This copy is professionally edited.
Final Verdict:
An exotic tale of loss and hope great for readers aged eight years and over.
Favorite Quote:
“Bull feathers,” scoffed Gus. “He changes his word more often than I change my undies.”
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