Monday 16 January 2012

Opal Moonbaby by Maudie Smith

Pages - 201
Published by Orion's Childrens Books in January 2012.
Thank you to Orion for sending me a review copy for an honest review.

Amazon Summary
Martha's decided friends are stupid. Especially if they're anything like Colette and Chloe. She never wants another friend. Ever. But it's the first day of the summer holidays, and there's not that much to do... until she spots a strange little furry creature who leads her to Opal Moonbaby. Opal's been sent down from her planet on a mission: to work out what on earth people are (and my goodness - people are strange) and to make a friend.


***********
Who can resist this delightful, quirky, entertaining book which brings new words and phrases to our vocabulary, such as scoff capsules, hydrophones, swimbats and fantariums. Opal Moonbaby is one of the most charming children's books that I have read in a long time. It definitely had an old school feel about it, reminding me of the classics from my childhood. 


As soon as Opal stepped out of her spaceship I found her adorable. Her zany and vibrant behaviour would brighten anyone's life. I found myself suffering from extreme belly laughs as I  watched Opal mix her words and phrases up completely. She is definitely a character I can't wait to read more about. Garnet - OMG! Garnet is just so super cute. He reminded me of the daemons  from  Phillip Pullman's Dark Materials series. You will come away from this book, desperate to have a creature just like him.


There is a brilliant plot within the book, that twists in all directions. I actually don't think I read this book; I am sure I inhaled it. It took me two hours to absorb this joyous book. 


There is a moral to this story. Don't judge everyone the same. Just because one person treated you in a certain way, don't write the rest off the world and accuse them of acting  the same, before giving them a chance. Martha was so quick to judge Opal, she nearly missed out an endearing friendship that would bring a smile back to her face. 


This book is truly a delight and will entertain all age groups. I really can't wait for the next book. Even though this book had an alien in it, I found it quite believable. In fact, next time I walk past a playground I might just check the hiding places to see if there is a Carnalian hanging around. 

12 comments:

  1. This sounds really nice and that cover is too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aw, this does sound very sweet. One to keep in mind for when I need a book to cheer me up.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Naida - I really love the new cover. It is so much more vivacious than the arc one.

    Nymeth - A cute comfort read.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds lovely :) I am sure I would have liked it when I was younger and would still like it today

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh wow, now I want to read this book so badly! It sounds absolutely wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My 7-year-old daughter loved this one - and so did I! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great review of a fab book! I really enjoyed this one too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This book looks and sounds absolutely charming! Fantastic review!

    ReplyDelete
  9. My 9yo is reading at the moment. She keeps giggling away to herself, the sign of a really good book :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Blodeuedd - you most definitely would.

    Jenni - for the young and the old. Loved it.

    Luisa - it was just so adorable.

    Beth - fab book!

    Bermudaonion - it really was.

    Suko - charming is a good word to describe it.

    Emma - That was exactly what I was doing.

    ReplyDelete

Hiya, thanks for stopping by, it is always nice to hear what you have to say, so do leave a comment if you have time.