The assistant librarian: Lost in a book by Stuart Wilson

If you love getting lost in a book, then this is a book you will love!  In this, the second book in The 113th Assistant Librarian series, Oliver Wormwood must again use all of his librarian talents to fend off invading crab attacks, and the infiltration of warped versions of donated books. It is the formidable local politician though that presents the biggest risk as her onslaught might even lead to war! An almost magical tome that enables the handler to literally get lost in its pages provides opportunity to bypass her attack, but it comes with great risk to Oliver and the winsome Agatha (his library friend and colleague).  Can they survive long enough to protect their community from the danger of lies and error? Librarians are good at finding truth and directing away from ‘wrong books’, but Oliver is still very young … can he solve a mystery that puts lives at risk? 

This is a mystery adventure full of whimsy and risky moments. Young readers aged 9-14 will find joy in being lost in its pages. It does assume a reasonable reading skill and enjoyment of fantasy and references to library organisation and some historical, geographical or scientific detail may stretch some younger readers, but will thrill adept readers. This is the kind of book that is unique in its setting and yet has the hallmarks of a Harry Potter-style story where magic and reality coalesce and collide and create intriguing scenarios where young characters must perform tasks that put them outside their comfort zone, but in doing so discover new strengths. I loved the first book in this series, and the second is equally enthralling.

Themes: Libraries, fantasy, conflict, adventure.

Carolyn Hull