Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia believes in science; fantasy is not her thing.  Her mother wrote fantastical stories before her death and Ophelia thought that was nice, but she didn't believe it.  So how ironic is it that she ends up in a fairy tale with a live Snow Queen and a marvelous boy?  Very!

Alfred A Knopf and Net Galley allowed me to download an ebook of this story for review (thank you).  It will be published January 28th, so check with your local bookstore to get a copy.

I really enjoyed this tale.  It's full of magic, monsters, ghosts and the classical fight between good and evil.  Ophelia is snoopy and she's found a locked room with a boy in it.  He happens to be the Marvelous Boy and he's been locked in there for hundreds of years.  The Snow Queen is determined to take over the world and kill him but she has to wait for the right time.  The right time is three days away.  Ophelia doesn't have much time to make a difference.

The Queen is grooming Ophelia's sister with the intent of removing her essence and using it for herself.  Ophelia's father is sorting swords for an exhibit.  There is no one to help her and no one to believe her.  She won't give up, though.

Ms. Foxlee's words make you feel like you're in the museum with Ophelia.  Doors and displays move, exhibits come to life, and the door you open may be the last one you ever open.  The museum is full of danger and makes you wiggle a bit in your seat as you read about Ophelia's journey to find the keys needed and to find the hidden sword.

I highly recommend this book.  Whether you let your young explorer read it or you read it yourself, it's very good reading.  Grab Ophelia's hand and follow her through the museum.  Your heart will be beating faster when you find the way back out.

Happy reading.