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‘On the third night after the day her father died, Liesl saw the ghost.’
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice – until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist’s apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will’s mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice – until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist’s apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will’s mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
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Reviews
Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.
A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too.
This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind.
Liesl & Po was the best middle grade novel I've read in ages, and also one of the best novels overall that I've read in a good while! It's a magical, compelling, humorous and original book - highly recommended!
. . . crowded with distinctive characters and a twisty-turny plot, and rife with words like "ineffable" as well as expletives like "scrat," making it all the more fun to read aloud . . . Liesl and Po is a crazy quilt of genres. Although it is obviously a ghost story, there are strong allusions to classic children's literature like A Little Princess.
In Liesl & Po Oliver delicately explores the ideas of love, loss and grief while offering readers a memorable tale filled with an unusual cast of characters.
This multifaceted tale about death, ghosts, yearning, love and belonging will touch every reader's soul.
An absolute delight . . . The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep.
A gorgeous story--timeless and magical.
A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too.
This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind.
A thoroughly entertaining novel with is gripping narrative and strong emotional thread imbued with a real sense of loss. Highly recommended.
A cute, fast-paced tale.
. . . a pleasing old fashioned romp . . .
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group . . . there are some exquisitely drawn characters . . . it's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.'
There is nothing predictable about how this author treats big themes such as grief, death and forgiveness. An assured ghost story with smoky black-and-white illustrations that help lighten the occasionally bleak material.
A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. An irresistible read: this book sings.
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group . . . there are some exquisitely drawn characters . . . it's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.'
A gorgeous story--timeless and magical . . . For me, this book was like a ride in a sleeping car on a fabulous train, one with deep, plush upholstery, shining brass window latches, and secret compartments, one where the bed slides out soundlessly and the sheets are not too new but not too old, and where small amazing cakes arrive regularly on lacquered trays while the night rushes by outside, the moon always visible.
A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy... By alternating quietly lyrical, philosophical passages with laugh-out-loud broad comedy/farce, the author takes her readers on a fantastic voyage from loss to healing and joy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera's frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: this book sings.
Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.
Seriously spooky
An absolute delight . . . The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep.
Though the book is targeted at 'children of all ages' who understand what magic really is, the complexity of Oliver's metaphor would be best appreciated by readers from nine upwards.
Seriously spooky.
I finished reading Liesl & Po with a smile on my face. Honestly I did! It was just the cutest, loveliest book ever! I actually felt something while reading the book, an unusual feat in middle grade fiction! But of course, Lauren was able to pull it off! It was actually quite emotional, I thought :) Liesl & Po was the best middle grade novel I've read in ages, and also one of the best novels overall that I've read in a good while! It's a magical, compelling, humorous and original book - highly recommended!