A Magical Message That Kids Will Love
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Poppy Woodlock believes in magic, but so far, she hasn’t found any. It’s been two weeks since her parents moved their family to Oregon to undertake their biggest project yet: revitalizing the once-grand Lark-Hayes Manor. Her older brother instantly found his place, but after being thrown into middle school midyear, Poppy is feeling…invisible. So she retreats to where she’s always felt most at home: books and magic. And if the fantastic and supernatural exist, certainly they can be found in this mysterious old estate.
A late-night prowl leads Poppy to a desperate water nymph, with whom she strikes a dangerous bargain. In exchange for the thing she loves most—her favorite book— Poppy now has the secret of a lifetime: her very own flying lion. Sampson is exactly what she needs to prove magic does exist and, more importantly, that she is not to be so easily dismissed.
But the cost of ancient magic is astronomic. With every night Sampson grows, another book disappears, and Poppy soon faces the harrowing reality that without their favorite stories, the lives of everyone around her begin to unravel.
Fixing the chaos will require Poppy to be clever and bold, and even at her smartest and loudest, she’s not sure it will be enough. But she has to try.
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published : May 2, 2023
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- Reading age: Middle Grade 10+ years
What’s Being Said
“This gentle fantasy beautifully explores the ways books shape and stir readers, and Poppy’s joyful, funny friendship with the lion is a treat. An enchanting adventure that encourages readers to find their voice and delight in stories.”―Booklist
“Tonally reminiscent of classic children’s fantasies, Hartman’s debut layers slice-of-life concerns—bickering parents, new-kid trials—with a high-concept premise, making for a winning novel focused on literary influence and everyday magic.“―Publishers Weekly
I could tell by the first paragraph that I was going to love Hartman’s writing style.
“Far away but not long ago, there was a girl and a house. The girl? Well, she was nothing special. But the house . . . was magic.”
The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor is a fun story with unique and memorable characters. And for those who like a story to refer to other books, have a gentle message, and a touch of magic, this is definitely a debut novel that you won’t want to miss.
“When her parents, an architect and a historic preservation officer, take on a fixer-upper in Oregon’s Lark-Hayes Manor, Poppy can tell that the house contains not just a hidden past but “a secret present,” too.” –Publisher’s Weekly
The winged lion, who Poppy named Sampson, came about in a very unusual way in this imaginative story. However, the touch of magic starts a domino effect that will leave Poppy shocked and confused.
The manor and surroundings are described to perfection.
Aubrey Hartman weaves a beautiful story of the importance of books, with an added touch of family and magic that will draw both kids and adults to this wonderful book. And Poppy is a MC that kids will relate to and eagerly jump on board her exciting adventure.
This is an easy thumbs-up. I see it finding its way into many children’s bookshelves and hearts.
A very big thanks to Aubrey Hartman for a gifted copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aubrey Hartman lives in California with her husband and three young children. Like Poppy, she believes in magic: the kind that’s made up of powerful words, cinematic scenes, and characters who curl up in your heart to stay. Also like Poppy, she’s passionate about inspiring young people to recognize the impact their voices can have in the world. The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor is her debut novel.
If you purchase through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission. This helps support Pick a Good Book and allows us to continue bringing you great content.
