Mamta Madhavan
​​Beyond a Large Steep Hill by Leigh Belrose is an enchanting story for children that revolves around a little boy, Everett, whose life changes after he tumbles down a steep hill while playing blind man’s buff with his friends. Everett does not know that there is a great adventure awaiting him as he tumbles down the hill. As he rolls down, blindfolded, he finds himself transported to a magical land where he encounters many surreal and magical characters that blow his mind. The characters and situations Everett meets as a result of his tumbling down makes the story an entertaining read and will take readers to a dimension that is dreamy and whimsical. The story is fast paced and children will love to be in Everett’s shoes and go through his adventures. The narration is detailed and descriptive, making the scenes and action vivid. Whether it is the Lyrebird, Cassiopeia, or any other character that Everett meets, the book will have readers flipping the pages to find out what is going to come next and will keep them glued till the very end. With all its magic and enchantment, the book is ideal for bedtime story-telling. The story is also good for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The black and white illustrations are charming and they breathe life into the scenes. Stories with a lot of whimsy and interesting characters and situations make readers imagine and think beyond their comfort zones, and encourage them to bring their creativity and ideas to the fore.
LitPick 5 Star Review
Age at time of review - 12
Reviewer's Location - United States
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​​​The Gimmicky Gadget was a great read. When I first started the book, I was a bit confused as a lot of things happened quickly in the first few pages. However, after re-reading a bit of the beginning, I understood that the two siblings had gone back in time. The rest of the story was easy to understand. I liked how the story started off as realistic fiction, but quickly took a turn towards fantasy and science-fiction with the use of magical gadgets and time travel. I think the author did a great job of blending multiple genres in this book. Additionally, I liked how the author made Ava and Noah's characters relatable. Just like siblings in real life, they bickered but were there for each other in times of need. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to readers looking for an exciting story full of adventure, kindness, and a lesson on treating others right!
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​https://litpick.com/review/gimmicky-gadget-review-glitterunicorn9
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