PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES
Jonathan Auxier
August 1, 2011
Amulet Books
ISBN 10: 1419700251
ISBN 13: 978-1419700255
Middle Grade / Fantasy
Hardcover

Ten-year-old blind orphan, Peter Nimble, is a master thief. There isn’t a lock he can’t pick. So when he encounters a haberdasher with a difficult locking mechanism on his carriage, Peter can’t resist trying to pick it. He finds a curious box inside and steals it. Once he picks the box’s lock as well, he discovers a set of three magical eyes. Trying on the first pair, he is transported to a magical place, and sets about on a journey that will change his life forever.

As a mother of two boys, I am always searching for good middle grade books featuring boy protagonists. Most middle grade is girl dominant and I have found it increasingly difficult to search out really meaty books that I know my children will enjoy. The description alone for PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES caught my attention as something my boys would enjoy. Fantasy? Adventure? Mystery? It sounded perfect.

And it was. This book is absolutely amazing. From the first page to the last, my boys and I were completely spellbound by Peter Nimble and his incredible journey. Superbly crafted, with beautiful prose, and wonderful illustrations, this book has an Oliver Twist meets steampunk feel to it. The pacing is delightful—there is never a dull moment—and Peter is such a valiant and worthy hero that the reader can’t help but root for this compelling thief.

PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES is fresh and unique.  I’ve never read anything else like it. I loved the fact that Jonathan Auxier does not “dumb down” the book, either in vocabulary or theme. There is a heart to this book that will stick with you long after the last page is turned. My twelve-year-old called it “epic” and immediately asked if there was a sequel. I really hope we’ll be seeing more of Peter’s adventures in the future.

This is a book that both adults and children can enjoy. I read it out loud to my boys and every night they would pull the ‘just one more page’ whine on me. I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed By:

Cindy picked up her first romance in high school and never looked back. The book was PERFECT by Judith McNaught. Since then, Cindy has expanded her small TBR pile into a TBR mountain. She is a sucker for reunion romances, secret babies, best friends turned lovers, and angsty unrequited love. But above all, she just loves a darn good story.

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