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| READ THE FIRST CHAPTER |
December, 1945. When their father goes missing in mysterious circumstances, the four Caddy children are uprooted from their lives in outback Australia and taken to London to live with an uncle they’ve never met: the strange, reclusive and unpredictable Basti. Uncle Basti would clearly prefer to be left alone with his house full of reptiles, but the Caddys are determined to make the most of their new living arrangements. Add in an eccentric neighbour, a meddlesome butler and some less-than-pleased authority figures, and the Caddy children face quite a challenge to have their perfect Christmas. The Kensington Reptilarium is a sweet, whimsical tale about the powerful bonds of family, and about it never being too late to make a change. The story is slightly let down by a meandering plot, but is redeemed by the adorable and kooky elements scattered throughout—including a house brimming with secret passageways and mechanical ladders, a wonderfully unique and memorable cast, and a sweet background love story. This is a must-read for young fans (aged nine to 13) of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Series of Unfortunate Events. It is the first book for children from author Nikki Gemmell.
Review by Meg Whelan for Books+Publishing
