The Bookshop Girl
Written by Sylvia Bishop
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene
Delightfully quirky and whimsical, this fun new novel proves that each of us has talents that stand us in good stead.
Property Jones is an eleven-year-old abandoned waif, found in a bookstore and stashed briefly in a lost property cupboard at age five. Her adopted mum, Netty, is a bit scatterbrained and not a very good businesswoman, but she loves her bookstore, a restored pub named the White Hart. Neither Netty nor her son Michael realize that Property doesn’t know how to read. When the Jones family wins an opportunity to own the best bookstore in London, they immediately take off, only to find more adventure than they bargained for. Their new store, the Montgomery Book Emporium has nearly magical properties, with hundreds of rooms to choose from. Naturally, a villain wants to steal it away from the Joneses. With the help of a peculiar kitten referred to as the Gunther, right must win.
Property has many unusual talents that make her a valuable asset to the family. She is extremely observant and can therefore spot a fake, whether a man or a document. Her loyalty and ability to inspire others are unmatched. The reader must cheer for her and for the Joneses and hope that she does learn the joy of reading in the end.
The author sets a perfect pace for this escapade. The amusing illustrations give a view into Property’s world.
Title: The Bookshop Girl- Author: Sylvia Bishop
- Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
- Published: Peachtree Publishers, October 1, 2018
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 135 pages
- Grade Level: 4 to 6
- Genre: Chapter Book, Books, Adventure, Family, Friendship
- ISBN: 978-1-68263-045-7