This charming children's book has some beautiful artwork and a very fast paced, action packed story.
Little Nola is given a present on her eight birthday, a pretty music box. But it appears to be a magic box!
The premise of the story is good, appealing to the endless imagination of kids - the idea magic and adventure in the most mundane of objects is something that resonates with all children.
It's a fast paced adventure, with little time for stopping and thinking about exactly what is going on. For an adult, this is jarring. But for a child, it would not be noticed, as kids often accept incredible circumstances with no fuss.
There are some subtle ideas that plant good morals within - an octopus style resident that loves a bird style resident, but have to hide it as they are not allowed to love who they wish, and a fox man who is creating an illegal substance to the upset of all around him. Very carefully done and not glaringly obvious, it would allow a child to ask a parent more if they were confused.
Stunning artwork, a joy to read.
Four stars only as I felt it was a little too rip roaring, the pacing was a little too frenetic.