I decided to read this book because I felt drawn to the title.

The Loneliest House in the World was a charming children's story that I felt able to connect with. At the beginning of the story, the protagonist, Kasia, moved to a new home with her family, and was worried that she would have no friends to play with.

Moving away is often a scary, daunting experience, perhaps even more so for a child. While I was reading, though, I found my most dominant feeling was a sense of adventure. I was excited to see what surprises Kasia's new home might have in store for her.

This was an entertaining story with colourful illustrations, and I think young readers would enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

This book sounded really good when I read the description. I found myself a little disappointed in it, though. The main storyline was really good, and quite encouraging and inspiring, as Kathleen tried to find purpose in her life after retirement. She and her husband both changed and became more caring, empathetic people through the course of the story, and found ways to make a difference in people’s lives. However, there were large sections of the book that simply read like a travelogue, with long, detailed descriptions of places that the couple visited. Those sections dragged the story down for me. I don’t mind description like that in a nonfiction book, but in a novel, it felt like it was unnecessary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

From Poland to Iceland, Kasia is a young girl forced to move with her mother from a country she knows to a country she knows nothing about. Now living on a remote island, Kasia struggles to adjust to her new environment, especially with a language barrier. Kasia seeks to find comfort in exploring the great outdoors, but this proves difficult with the harsh weather conditions. Kasia forms an friendship with little Puffin, but as most animals do, Little Puffin must move on too. Soon Kasia comes into a more likely pet of her own. This is a quick read about the challenges children face when dealing with real life situations and change. Personally, I felt the story was missing depth in the plotline. However, the story did contain knowledgeable information on Puffins, the ocean, and the science of Iceland. For this reason, I am rating it three stars.

Thank you Y.G. Esjan, and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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When Kasia moves with her mother from Poland to join her new stepfather in Iceland her world goes upside down. Living in a city and then moving to a secluded house surrounded by the sea is just one of the many changes that Kasia must endure. Different food, different weather, and different languages are just some of the barriers that young Kasia must endure. Her sadness and trauma reach a breaking point when she finally meets a new friend named Lulli. Through this friendship, Kasia learns the gift of being able to explore new places and learn new things. A heartwarming tale that provides a mirror for children immigrating to new places and a window for children finding themselves in a new home. With lovely artwork to support the story this novel is an excellent read.

A touching middle-grade / children’s story that beautifully captures the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. Kasia's journey from Poland to Iceland is filled with moments of loneliness and longing, but also with moments of unexpected joy and connection. As she navigates her way through the unfamiliar landscape, readers are drawn into her world, rooting for her every step of the way. What I loved most about this book is its heartfelt portrayal of resilience and the power of friendship. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and leave them with a renewed sense of hope and belonging.

Hey, young adventurers! Are you ready to start on a journey to the land of ice and puffins with Kasia in The Loneliest House in the World? This book is like a warm hug on a cold day, wrapping you up in its heartfelt tale of courage and friendship. From the moment Kasia sets foot on the remote shores of Iceland, you'll be hooked on her quest to find connection in a sea of loneliness. And when she meets the adorable puffin named Lúlli, get ready for some serious feels! But don't worry, this story isn't all tears—it's also packed with moments of joy, laughter, and, of course, plenty of puffin and puppy antics. So if you're looking for a book that'll warm your heart and remind you of the power of friendship, grab a copy of The Loneliest House in the World and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 📚❄️

What a delight this was. I loved that a little Polish girl in a strange land was the focus. Making friends with a puffin and then a puppy was charming. The plot did zip around a bit with volcanoes and fishing suddenly focussed on, but the story was a delight. Illustrations were simple but really appealing to the younger age group. A strong message in this book and absolutely deserving a place on any book shelf.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Kasia is a bright young girl struggling to adjust after her family moves to Iceland. She misses her old home in Poland. The island where they now live is remote, and the situation is made worse by the fact that she cannot communicate properly due to the language barrier.

Kasia is a nature child, and her natural inclination is to seek solace in the outdoors, finding beauty in the flora and fauna of her surroundings. But even this is hard to do in Iceland, with its harsh climate and subtle changes indicating seasonal variations.

Her mother's storytelling helps somewhat, but it is difficult for Kasia to relate to the references to the ocean legends she describes. For a while, she finds joy in the company of a baby Puffin named Lulli, but as the bird grows, another separation becomes inevitable. Ultimately, the solution to some of Kasia's problems comes in the form of a more conventional pet.

This is a story about the challenges that come with changing countries and what makes it possible for us to adapt to those changes. There are many children who will find things to relate to in this story - particularly if they have parents who are frequent travellers, or if they themselves have experienced a lifestyle that involves shifting from one country to another. It gets 3.5 stars.