The Grandest Bookshop in the World

The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor is a captivating and magical adventure set in 1893 Melbourne, where Pearl and Vally Cole live in their family's extraordinary bookshop, Cole's Book Arcade. This is no ordinary bookshop - it's filled with curiosities, talking parrots, voice-changing sweets, and stories crafted just for the siblings by their eccentric father.

But when Pearl and Vally discover that their father has made a dangerous deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, they must act fast to save their home and their father. Their mission? To defeat seven challenges before the stroke of midnight, or risk losing not only their father but also their beloved bookshop, along with their memories of both. This thrilling and heart-warming tale of sibling bravery, magic, and family will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Benefits for Educational Use:

• Problem-Solving Skills: Pearl and Vally's quest to overcome challenges encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, making it a great resource for discussions on perseverance and creativity.
• Imagination and Adventure: Sparks imagination by blending fantasy with real-world settings and challenges, fostering a love of storytelling.
• Historical Context: Provides a glimpse into life in 1890s Melbourne, introducing young readers to history in an engaging, relatable way.
• Sibling Relationships: Explores themes of cooperation, teamwork, and family dynamics, offering rich opportunities for character analysis.
• Reading Comprehension: With its exciting plot and imaginative details, it enhances reading comprehension and retention through its gripping narrative.

Classroom Ideas:

• Character Study: Ask students to write a journal entry from Pearl or Vally's perspective during their adventure.
• Creative Writing: Have students create their own magical bookshop, filled with unique items or challenges.
• Historical Exploration: Discuss the historical setting of the story, comparing life in 1893 with today's world, particularly the development of Melbourne during that time.
• Group Discussion: Focus on themes of family, loyalty, and bravery, and discuss how these qualities are shown in the story.
• Problem-Solving Activities: Have students work in groups to create their own series of challenges, just like in the book, using their imagination.

Product Details:

• Ages: 9-12
• Book Size: 198 (H) x 128 (W) mm
• Pages: 304
• Format: Paperback