Finding Magic and Mystery on The Island of Dr. Libris
Something terrible has happened to 12-year-old Billy Gillfoyle, the protagonist of The Island of Dr. Libris.
Billy is forced to spend the summer in a lakeside cabin, a place with no TV, DVD player or Xbox, while his mother finishes her boring doctoral dissertation. There’s no computer whatsoever. And Billy just shattered his iPhone (cue horror movie music).
But Billy happens to be a boy with an extraordinary imagination, even if he doesn’t know it yet. When the boy discovers the key to unlock the mysterious Dr. Libris’s private bookcase, that’s when things really start to get strange.
The Island of Dr. Libris
Hardcover $16.99
The Island of Dr. Libris
Hardcover $16.99
Billy reads a bit from the first book he pulls from the shelf, The Labors of Hercules, and it isn’t long before he actually begins to hear the characters—fighting somewhere on the island in the lake, not too far from his cabin.
The latest middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein is a grand adventure that brings beloved characters to life in the most literal sense. When Billy reads a story, it really comes to life, swords and all.
Over the course of the book, Billy assembles a merry and unlikely crew, including Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Tom Sawyer, and Pollyanna, who join forces to triumph over such evil villains as the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Giant (of beanstalk). Think Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but with a smarter character leading the way.
Beyond the wild conflicts on the island, Billy discovers he has even more pressing concerns, like saving his parents’ marriage, although there isn’t anything on Dr. Libris’s bookshelf that could possibly help him with that. Or is there? And what is Dr. Libris’s sinister plan anyway? In the end, Billy uses his creativity and quick wit to become the author of his own story.
Though this is a fantastical ride, Billy is a charming, relatable character. Children will be delighted to tag along on bibliophile escapades as Billy leaves summer boredom behind and dives headfirst into literary landscapes.
For young readers, The Island of Dr. Libris is sure to act as the gateway book to many classics.
The appendix lists all 31 books mentioned in this story, making it easy for children to become better acquainted with traditional tales and beloved stories. At best, kids will discover a new read; at the very least, they’ll learn the three musketeers are more than just a candy bar.
“If you ever need us again,” Hercules tells Billy, “You know where to find us.”
“Simply open our books and read,” adds Maid Marian, “and we shall be once more at your side.”
Talk about an ingenious plan on the part of author Grabenstein—using a book to cultivate a love of books. Even weirdo Dr. Libris could get behind that.
Have you read The Island of Dr. Libris?
Billy reads a bit from the first book he pulls from the shelf, The Labors of Hercules, and it isn’t long before he actually begins to hear the characters—fighting somewhere on the island in the lake, not too far from his cabin.
The latest middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein is a grand adventure that brings beloved characters to life in the most literal sense. When Billy reads a story, it really comes to life, swords and all.
Over the course of the book, Billy assembles a merry and unlikely crew, including Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Tom Sawyer, and Pollyanna, who join forces to triumph over such evil villains as the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Giant (of beanstalk). Think Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but with a smarter character leading the way.
Beyond the wild conflicts on the island, Billy discovers he has even more pressing concerns, like saving his parents’ marriage, although there isn’t anything on Dr. Libris’s bookshelf that could possibly help him with that. Or is there? And what is Dr. Libris’s sinister plan anyway? In the end, Billy uses his creativity and quick wit to become the author of his own story.
Though this is a fantastical ride, Billy is a charming, relatable character. Children will be delighted to tag along on bibliophile escapades as Billy leaves summer boredom behind and dives headfirst into literary landscapes.
For young readers, The Island of Dr. Libris is sure to act as the gateway book to many classics.
The appendix lists all 31 books mentioned in this story, making it easy for children to become better acquainted with traditional tales and beloved stories. At best, kids will discover a new read; at the very least, they’ll learn the three musketeers are more than just a candy bar.
“If you ever need us again,” Hercules tells Billy, “You know where to find us.”
“Simply open our books and read,” adds Maid Marian, “and we shall be once more at your side.”
Talk about an ingenious plan on the part of author Grabenstein—using a book to cultivate a love of books. Even weirdo Dr. Libris could get behind that.
Have you read The Island of Dr. Libris?