
Reach for this book when your child expresses a desire for more autonomy or feels that the adults in their life are too controlling. It is a perfect choice for siblings who share a fierce bond or for any child who daydreams about running away to a place where kids make their own rules. The story follows brothers Prosper and Bo as they flee their cruel aunt and join a band of street children living in a magical, abandoned cinema in Venice, Italy. While the plot involves mystery and a touch of the supernatural, the heart of the narrative explores the deep need for belonging and the reality that growing up is not always what it seems. Funke handles themes of chosen family and the burden of responsibility with grace. It is an ideal read for children aged 9 to 13 who are beginning to navigate the complicated transition from childhood innocence to adolescent independence.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonists survive by stealing and selling stolen goods.
Themes of orphanhood and the threat of being separated from a sibling.
The mystery of the merry-go-round involves some eerie, atmospheric moments.
The book deals with orphanhood and the threat of family separation through a secular lens. The aunt and uncle are depicted as antagonists who view children as accessories rather than people. The resolution is hopeful but realistic, emphasizing that family is something you build through loyalty.
A 10-year-old who feels stifled by rules and seeks stories about secret societies and underground adventures. It is particularly resonant for children who value sibling loyalty above all else.
Parents should be aware of the moral ambiguity surrounding the children's thievery, though it is framed as survival. No specific scenes require censoring, but the magical transformation at the end is worth discussing. A child may say, "I wish I didn't have to live by your rules," or express deep anxiety about being separated from a sibling or friend.
Younger readers will focus on the excitement of the secret hideout and the "coolness" of Scipio. Older readers will pick up on the irony of Scipio's life and the heavy weight of Prosper's responsibility as a protector.
Unlike many urban fantasies, this book uses the real-world magic of Venice as a character. It stands out for its nuanced take on the "Peter Pan" trope, showing that maturity is about choice, not just age.
After their mother dies, Prosper and Bo flee to Venice to avoid being separated by their cold-hearted aunt and uncle. They are taken in by a group of street children who live in an old cinema and are led by Scipio, the self-proclaimed Thief Lord. A detective hired to find the boys discovers their hideout, but the plot thickens when the children are hired to steal a wooden wing belonging to a long-lost magical merry-go-round that has the power to change a person's age.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.