Fantasy, mystery, puzzle, quest, friendship, family, magic
The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
Jordan Lees
Key information
Author: Jordan Lees
Illustrator: Vivienne To
Release Date: 28th March 2024
Book type: Chapter, 432 pages, hardback
Star rating: ★★★★★
Reader level: Confident reader (9+)
Age: Year 5+
Overview
Benjamiah is a young boy who loves science and denies the existence of magic. When his almost-divorced parents go away for a few days, he receives an unusual doll that he wants nothing to do with. Soon, he realises this doll is not just a doll - it can come alive in the form of different animals, and eventually leads him to a mysterious door in the basement of his family's bookshop.
After passing through, Benjamiah finds himself in a peculiar world which is governed by "Hanged Men" (those who have lost their lives and are now devoted to serving the town of Wreathenwold). He soon learns that he is trapped within a labyrinth which people cannot escape. In fact, the people of Wreathenwold cannot stray too far from their homes without the risk of losing their way through the labyrinth, never to be seen again. Wreathenwold is ruled by an evil minotaur who hasn't been seen for centuries, but maintains a terrifying reign over the petrified citizens.
Soon after arriving, he is offered a place to stay by a man who is searching for his missing son. Here, Benjamiah meets Elizabella, the man's daughter, who is determined to find her missing brother, with or without their help. Despite an underlying resentment, the two children set off on an adventure through Wreathenwold, guided by a magical piece of string that once belonged to the underground organization called the "Map Makers". They must solve 3 clues that have been hidden by Elizabella's brother prior to his disappearance, but must do so whilst being hunted a man who wants nothing more than to keep secrets secret.
Along the journey, Benjamiah discovers that everyone in this world possesses their own doll, or "poppet", which can be magically controlled by the owner to perform transfiguration and other impressive spells. These poppets are also, however, linked to the individual's mortality and must be protected at all costs. This is something that he learns the hard way, but he soon understands the importance of bonding with one's poppet if they are to make it back home alive.
Key concepts/themes
Considerations
- Magic
- Loss/Grief
- Divorce
- Ruling through terror
- Abdication
- Friendship
- Determination
- Personal development
- Loss of siblings
- Grief
- Parent divorce/relationship breakdowns
- Dark magic
Additional teaching opportunities
1. Writing opportunities:
- Character description (Elizabella and poppet)
- Setting description (Wreathenwold)
- Speech (Elizabella interacting with Benjamiah)
- Explanation text (What is a Poppet?)
- Creative (What would your Poppet look like? What would it turn into?)
- Non-chronological report (Minotaur, Raven)
- Brochure (Welcome to Wreathenwold)
2. Art:
- Design a poppet (sketching, labelling)
- Make a poppet (sewing)
- Map drawing (line drawing)
Vocabulary opportunities
pending
| Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
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