This was a wonderfully immersive, whimsical, and adorable children’s book! I loved the world building and the characters, they were such a delight to get to know. I think this book will be loved when it comes out!

There's a large world of children's adventure books out there, it's a hard genre to jump into, let alone get it right. The Curiosities feels like one of those stories that will outlast the genre and it's many quick delivered products.
If you loved the feel of Super 8, the Goonies, Stranger Things... If you grew up with Encyclopedia Brown, the Hardy Brothers or Nancy Drew, The Curiosities might just be what you're looking for. A whimsical tale of two siblings with their own quirks, who are determined to get to the bottom of a mysterious new problem, couple that with a neighborhood of interesting cats and you have a recipe for a great, quick adventure.
More important than just the story was the beautiful handling of Zach's Autism. In a few short passages, you're able to get a feel for the struggles that Zach has, but you also get a better understanding of how not only he handles it, but the world around him does. It's never shown as a disability or disadvantage but something special that makes him unique. It felt very real, very delicate and was handled with care. It doesn't shy away from how he's viewed by some in school, or that it can be a difficult process.
The Curiosities was a thoroughly enjoyable read filled with interesting decisions, wonderfully written characters and some beautifully handled morals.

I want to thank NetGalley and Southbound Films for ARC, in exchange for a honest review.

This is such a fun middle grade adventure book full of mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed the writing and the characters.

The Curiosities is a cute and wonderful middle grade novel about a brother and sister duo who must save their town from an otherworldly attack. They’re helped by the brave but quirky neighborhood cats. This would make a great read aloud for upper elementary grade classrooms. It’s a very enjoyable read with both humorous and touching moments.

The Curiosities is a fast paced middle grade book that follows a cast of lovable human and non-human characters as they try to stop an alien invasion- wait, a zombie attack? Or is it natural disasters?

I loved the Autism representation and the way Zach was portrayed throughout the story. Marlow was a great support needs older sister trying to find the balance between being that support system and supporting herself. And I don’t even know where to start with Leo and his rag tag team of felines- I loved them all!

This story is so cute and has it all, zombies, aliens, science, a rag tag group of curious cats, and brave and witty kids. While the story is totally different, it does give the reader the same feeling as A Wrinkle in Time. Very whimsical and wholesome with a side of humor and education. I think kids will learn a lot from reading The Curiosities, but will also enjoy themselves doing so. I definitely plan to gift this to my nephew!

Middle grade children adventure books are some I am often drawn to for a light read with low-ish stakes and cute characters. Within this story, we have older sister Marlow and younger brother Zach, each with their own unique personalities and perspectives. Marlow has an online video channel about bees and herbs and the like while Zach is curious about everything and often “experiments” with what cats are curious about with the neighborhood cats, as well as having a great mind for leadership under-pressure. The author does a phenomenal job of addressing Zach’s autism by making it more like his superpower rather than a hindrance. The author also shows how some characters such as other school kids do not understand autism and thus see it as a weakness or see Zach as just “being different”.

Marlow and Zach are sucked into a whirlwind adventure when they are visiting a teacher’s house (pirate ship) with a group of other kids to watch a termite structure collapse. However, an earthquake hits the area around the same time and the teacher runs off to check on the bee hives located in the mountainous terrain. Marlow and Zach also notice the local wildlife is not acting normally, however, the cats of the neighborhood also seem to be on the case, especially Leo who is looking for where the birds have gone since his brother Cowfuzzi seems to be distraught by their absence.

Such a cute story and I was fully invested in the friends who banded together to solve the mystery. Very much a Goonies style mystery with kids on bikes off to save the day.

This is perfect! My daughter has recently started her reading journey, so I have added a few books to my ipad mini for her to read on kindle when on the go. The cover is so cute and I love the colors / illustrations! It was giving Alice vibes, which we LOVE, so we instantly needed to read.

I spent a lot of this book working to figure out what genre this book is. I have students who cannot read anything containing magic, so I always want to be prepared to tell them when a book is not a good fit. Despite some chapter names and the beginning chapter, there is no magic in this book. It is firmly science fiction.

Leo, the neighborhood cat, is proud of the fact that he is not curious. As hard as the cat talker (Zach) down the block tries to engage Leo, he does not give in to the temptation of curiosity. But when Leo's brother is distraught because all the birds disappear after an earthquake and landslide, Leo works to figure out what is going on. He joins two children, Zach the cat talker, and middle school sister Marlow in figuring out what is going on in their town.

This was a very enjoyable middle-grade mystery. The cats and kids were all wonderful characters. It kept me guessing throughout. I am ordering a copy for my elementary library, and I think it will work well in any collection aimed at middle-grade readers.

Thank you to Net Galley and Southbound Films for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

W.H. Eatons is an imaginative author who writes with zeal and earnestness. the Curiosities is a whimsical and creative adventure into the world of Marlow and Zach Metzler. Eatons shows his writing proficiency by turning an ordinary neighborhood feline, Leo, into yet another character, adding even more nuance and dimension to an already imaginative narration.

While I prefer books to be free of contractions and incomplete sentences, The Curiosities is worthy of notice. The author immerses readers into an exciting and elaborate world filled with adventure, mystery, and intrigue.

Funny and full of heart The Curiosities is a perfect read for animal and mystery lovers alike! With a cast of unforgettable and relatable characters W.H. Eatons delivers an unforgettable middle-grade masterpiece!

Book Review: The Curiosities by W.H. Eatons

A Whimsical Adventure with Heart
W.H. Eatons’ The Curiosities is a spellbinding tale that blends whimsy, suspense, and profound themes of adaptability and familial bonds. With its richly imagined world and endearing characters, the novel invites readers into a story that feels both timeless and fresh—a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and connection.

Key Strengths
-Immersive Storytelling: Eatons crafts a narrative that balances playful adventure with emotional depth, making it equally appealing to younger readers and adults seeking nostalgia. The prose is lively, with moments of lyrical beauty.
-Thematic Richness: Themes of friendship, resilience, and the magic of the everyday are woven seamlessly into the plot, offering layers of meaning without sacrificing pace.
-Unforgettable Characters: The protagonist’s journey is anchored by a cast of quirky, well-drawn companions, each adding humor and heart to the story.

Potential Considerations
-Pacing: Some readers might find the whimsical detours slow the central mystery, though these moments often reward with charm.
-Tone: The lighter, fairy-tale-esque style may not satisfy those craving gritty realism, but it excels as a cozy, imaginative escape.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A delightful puzzle-box of surprises and warmth.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Vibrant and full of soul.
-Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – Universal yet intimate.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Familiar magic made new.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – A lantern-lit path through a garden of wonders—you’ll want to linger in every chapter.

Ideal Audience
-Fans of The Night Circus or The Starless Sea who crave wonder.
-Readers who adore middle-grade adventures with crossover appeal (à la The Phantom Tollbooth).
-Anyone seeking a story that celebrates curiosity as a superpower.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and W.H. Eatons for the advance review copy. The Curiosities is a rare gem—a book that feels destined to be revisited, like a cherished heirloom rediscovered in an attic.

Final Verdict
Eatons’ novel is a celebration of imagination, perfect for those who believe stories can be both an escape and a mirror. While its gentler stakes may not thrill adrenaline junkies, its magic lingers long after the last page.

Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.

4.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the digital read.

Stranger Things with Scooby Gang mixed with other Warrior Cat vibes is what this whole book feels like. I felt that the writing was done really well and definitely felt very educational in many fields of topics. Between the nature/ Space and even with Autism talk I felt I was learning different things. The characters were fun to follow especially the cats. Seeing how different the humans pov and the cats povs were. Example, how the cats thought there was an alien. But the humans saw that it was human. The story did drag a little in the middle. But overall I this was a cute read.

Yes, being curious can be scary but it couyalso be amazing and adventurous.

Marlow and Zach are siblings that have completely different personality types. Zach is on the spectrum. He is bright and quirky. I actually really like his character. The two are always looking out for the next mystery which comes in the form of a possible alien invasion. As all the birds, insects and their favorite teacher disappear, they begin their quest to find the answers.
An added bit of fun is the boring neighborhood care, Leo, who doesn’t find fun in anything. But, as he realizes that real danger may be on the forefront, he aligns with his cat buddies assist Marlow and Zach to find the truth.
The story comes from two perspectives, the kids and the cats. Switching between them is flawless. The book was engaging and I enjoyed the characters and the plot line.
An added bonus, along with the book, I listened to the audible. Kudos to the narrator for doing a fabulous job with all the characters, even the animals. I will be recommending this book to my students and teachers

This was such a sweet middle grade book with so much representation and important themes throughout!
Tons of action and imagination, and I obviously loved it because half of the book is from the point of view of a stray cat 🥹

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!