The Grandest Bookshop in the World

By: Amelia Mellor

Narrated by: Meg Dunn

Pearl and Vally Cole live in a bookshop. And not just any bookshop. In 1893, Cole’s Book Arcade in Melbourne is the grandest bookshop in the world, brimming with every curiosity imaginable. Each day brings fresh delights for the siblings – voice-changing sweets, talking parrots, a new story written just for them by their eccentric father. When Pearl and Vally learn that Pa has risked the Arcade – and himself – in a shocking deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, the siblings hatch a plan. Soon they are swept into a dangerous game with impossibly high stakes – defeat seven challenges by the stroke of midnight and both the Arcade and their father will be restored. But if they fail Pearl and Vally won’t just lose Pa – they’ll forget that he and the Arcade ever existed.©2020 Amelia Mellor (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'One of the best kids books that I have ever read. Even better than the hype!' (Rob De Koning, Lamont Books)

'Amelia Mellor has crafted a fine piece of social history as well as a riveting adventure story for readers 10+ … Her writing is quite cinematic and will appeal to today’s readers.' (Better Reading)

'A wonder … [It] has wizardry, absurdism, and magic to boot, and the reader is ushered along a pacey narrative structured by bizarre challenges, puzzles, and ordeals.' (The Book Bird)

Narrator Meg Dunn portrays Pearl and Vally Cole, who live in the spectacular Cole's Book Arcade and get to enjoy all of its wonderful offerings. But when their father makes a deal with the strange Obscurosmith, the Cole family, and the arcade itself, are put in danger. Pearl and Vally must play a game--and win--to save them all. This adventure has puzzles to solve as Pearl and Vally race against time to preserve their memories and keep their family intact. While Dunn's narration sounds a bit rote throughout the narrative, the characters shine, especially the slimy and mysterious Obscurosmith. Some of the puzzles involve mild peril, which Dunn delivers with steady pacing. (AudioFile Magazine)