Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

I bought this book for my young cousin, but I read it before giving it to her as I do all the books I buy for children. Frankly, after reading it, I had doubts about giving it to her. I haven't had a chance to ask her what she thought about it. The characters are fine, although the evil woman's wily ways and the constant cold weather are very reminiscent of C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where in the magical land of Narnia it is always winter and never Christmas. I loved the setting in a mysterious museum where each floor can hold different horrors or obstacles to be overcome. The thing that bothered me about it was a belittling of the scientific process in favor of magical thinking. The magic in the story is delightful, and I would have had no problem with it but for the repeated put-down of scientific principles. The story would have succeeded just as well without that reference in my opinion. I'm concerned that the book may leave the wrong impression in the minds of impressionable young readers.

Cute quick story with a female lead, albeit not very original. Spoiler...The marvelous boy wasn’t very marvelous. Ophelia is the one who shines and develops in character. The books recommended age (8-12) seems appropriate due to some slightly dark themes and suggested violence but — the plot was so obvious that I don’t think it would challenge a 12 year old. Enjoyable easy children’s book overall.

We just started reading this book a few days ago and have looked forward to reading time each night since. I myself cannot wait to find out what happens next. Karen describes the rooms and their contents with such detail that you feel as if you can see the halls and room of the museum with vivid clarity. The storyline is complex but daughter has had no issue following along. Anytime she hears a word she does not know or understand she asks and I think this is how a book should be for young readers…push the limits of their word recognition just ever so slightly. This is the first book in a long time that our daughter talks about the next day on the way to school. It has captured her imagination with its mystical undertones and talk of snow queens, spells, wizards, and magical swords. Yet this is no Harry Potter like story….think Narnia but completely different. A treasure of a book and one destined for greatness.

My daughter loves books with girl heroines. Literal- and scientific-minded Ophelia discovers that magic is still possible in the world, but at the same time, she is the only one not taken in by the flattering wiles of the beautiful and strong-willed museum director. The plot is pretty transparent (it's hard to be surprised when Ophelia herself is revealed to be the "One Other" of prophecy), but that quality makes it more enjoyable for kids just learning to recognize plot devices.Great read-alone or read-aloud book for 3rd graders and up.

Be kind. Be brave. Have hope. Love. These are the timeless wisdoms Ophelia must remember as she literally fights the pain of loss and her family teeters on the edge of despair. I loved Ophelia's sweet innocence, the museum's endless and inane exhibits, and the way Foxlee captures the intimate exchanges of a family. A poignant story of grief masterfully intertwined with the charm and edge-of-your-seat suspense that only a fairy tale can deliver. This spellbinding tale asks the deep questions:what makes us happy? What is the purpose of life? What happens when we choose to believe in what we cannot see?

This came in an amazon book box for my 10yo daughter who has a zillion books and I know for sure she read this one more than once (which says a lot!) before we came home to find the dogs had gotten a hold of it (I guess they also like it! 🙄)

This really was a pleasure to read with my daughter. It may be a retelling of the SnowQueen tale but it is so much more. The characters are vivid , multi-faceted and complex.We are taken on a journey with Ophelia as the reluctant heroine and we watch her not only develope into a Hero but cross that divide from little girl to something more. The "Boy" is so interesting and special, that the reader developes strong feelings for him. I was really sorry to see this book end, it was that good.

We read it in our book club at school and we loved it! It was magical and breathtaking. A good book for book clubs. It always kept you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know what will happen next.We recommend reading it!

The book arrived and my sisters enjoyed it. A very good read. I remember reading it myself as a young girl. Will definitely recommend it to any 9-12 year old. Teaches them morality, never giving up, independency and a wonder fantasy plot.

daughter loved it

Manipal and suspenseful. Great read