For children who love a touch of magic in the mundane, these two whimsical adventures whisk readers away to hidden worlds, exploring themes of belonging and embracing the extraordinary.
A parent should reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is captivated by the idea of secret worlds hiding in plain sight. This flip book contains two of Eva Ibbotson's most charming tales. In 'Secret of Platform 13', a rescue team from a magical island ventures into London to save a lost prince from a comically awful family. In 'Island of the Aunts', three kind ladies 'borrow' children to help care for their menagerie of mythical sea creatures. Both stories are gentle, humorous adventures that explore themes of belonging, kindness, and what truly makes a family. They are perfect for imaginative readers aged 8-12 who appreciate classic fantasy with a warm heart and a witty voice.
Characters face magical challenges and comically inept villains.
Sensitive Topics
Both stories deal with themes of child neglect and belonging. In 'Platform 13', the neglect is overt and the Trottle family is cartoonishly cruel, serving as clear villains. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on the concept of a 'found family' over a biological one. In 'Island of the Aunts', the central plot involves kidnapping. The approach is metaphorical and gentle; the aunts are loving and the act is portrayed as a misguided attempt at providing care. The resolution is entirely hopeful, with the children choosing their new home and family. The morality is handled in a way that is appropriate for the age group.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an imaginative, sensitive 8-to-11-year-old who loves classic British fantasy like Roald Dahl or E. Nesbit. It's an excellent fit for a child who feels a bit different from their peers or family and dreams of escaping into a kinder, more magical world. It’s for the reader who values character and charm over high-stakes action.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The books can be enjoyed without prior context. Parents might want to be prepared for a conversation about the concept of a 'found family' versus a biological one, and in the case of 'Island of the Aunts', the idea of a 'good' kidnapping, which is an excellent opportunity to discuss intent versus action. A parent might notice their child feeling like the 'odd one out' at school or within the family, or hear them say something like, 'I wish I lived in a castle' or 'I wish I had a different family.' The child may be seeking refuge in stories that validate feelings of not quite fitting in.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will latch onto the delightful magical elements: the hag's talking tummy-buttons, the grumpy wizard, the mermaids, and the clear good-versus-evil narrative. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate Ibbotson's witty social satire, the critique of consumerism embodied by the Trottles, and the more nuanced emotional themes of choosing one's own path and family.
What Makes It Special
Eva Ibbotson's signature warmth and humor set these books apart. Unlike much of contemporary fantasy, her stories are gentle and character-driven, filled with a deep love for nature and kindness. The magic feels cozy and organic, not epic or dangerous. While 'Platform 13' predates and bears a superficial resemblance to Harry Potter, its tone is far more of a classic, whimsical fairytale.
Read plot summary
This flip book contains two complete novels. In 'Secret of Platform 13', a rescue party from a magical island (an ogre, a fey, a wizard, and a hag) travels through a nine-day portal at King's Cross Station to London. Their mission is to retrieve the kingdom's baby prince, who was stolen nine years earlier. They find he has been raised as a spoiled, obese boy named Raymond Trottle, while the family's kind, neglected orphan, Ben, seems a much better fit for their world. In 'Island of the Aunts', three aging sisters who care for magical creatures on their hidden island realize they need help. They travel to London and gently kidnap three children: two siblings who are neglected by their parents, and a boy whose mother is overly protective. The children discover a new sense of purpose and belonging on the magical island.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In 'Secret of Platform 13', the Trottles are Raymond's parents, but Ben is the one who finds a home on the Island. What do you think makes a real family: being related, or loving and caring for each other?
2
In 'Island of the Aunts', the aunts kidnap the children. Do you think what they did was wrong, even though the children ended up happy and loved? Why or why not?
3
Odge the ogre loves to cook and is very gentle, which is not what people usually expect from an ogre. Why is it important not to judge people (or magical creatures) based on how they look?
4
If you discovered a secret island like the ones in these books, what kind of magical creatures would you want to live there, and what would be its most important rule?
