A Place of Stone and Darkness

This review is hard to write because I read the book without any previous knowledge, which is the best way to read. You need the element of surprise and learning about the amazing world and creatures created in this novel as the story unfolds. And the ending is so cleverly written and unexpected. So I’m trying really hard not to include spoilers!

Mousdale creates a visual world with rich language and illustrations which just draw you into the story and make this book one you definitely do not want to put down! The way the writing draws you in to feel real empathy for the characters and grow to love them is amazing. This is made even better by detailed illustrations and maps of Striggworld.

My curiosity was grabbed in chapter one, I really wanted to know where Blue had fallen from and how he would get back. I really wanted Ellee and Sidfred to succeed in helping him, and was continuously moved by their kindness towards a complete stranger as well as Ellee’s bravery and Sidfred’s hunger for adventure. Mousdale’s carefully created glossary of terms in the book is wonderful, and I loved guessing what each of the new word meant and then checking the glossary to see if I was right!

If readers loved The Spiderwick Chronicles and worlds created by Emily Rodda, then

you will love this. And I really want my next pet to be a Strigg! A Place of Stone and Darkness will make you want to lose yourself in this amazing imaginative world of brave and outlandish characters. I could not put this book down!

Title: A Place of Stone and Darkness

Author & Illustrator: Chris Mousdale

Publisher: Puffin (Penguin Random House New Zealand )

ISBN: 978-0-14-377312-2

RRP: $30.00

Format: Hardback

Date of Publication: May 2019

Age Range: Older Primary/Intermediate

Reviewer’s Name: Angela Thompson

Reviewer’s Job Title: Teacher Librarian

Reviewer’s School Name: Remarkables Primary School

How highly are you recommending this book? Extremely highly recommended. I read it twice!

First sentence: Long ago, on a late summer's day, strange creatures came over the mountain.

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