What do you think?
Rate this book
Rondo #1
The Key to Rondo
A new realm of magic from Emily Rodda, the New York Times bestselling author of the Deltora books.
There are three rules to the old painted, music Wind the box three times only. Never shut the box when the music is playing. Never move the box before the music stops.
Leo wouldn't dream of breaking these rules, but does his stubborn cousin Mimi listen? She winds the box four times -- and suddenly the paintings on its side come to life and a powerful witch is released. Now its up to Leo and Mimi to stop the witch, if only they can find the key to the music box -- and the magical world it controls.
There are three rules to the old painted, music Wind the box three times only. Never shut the box when the music is playing. Never move the box before the music stops.
Leo wouldn't dream of breaking these rules, but does his stubborn cousin Mimi listen? She winds the box four times -- and suddenly the paintings on its side come to life and a powerful witch is released. Now its up to Leo and Mimi to stop the witch, if only they can find the key to the music box -- and the magical world it controls.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2007
110 people are currently reading
2811 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
298 books2,102 followersEmily Rodda (real name Jennifer Rowe) was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 with an MA (Hons) in English Literature. Moving into a publishing career, first as a book editor, and finally as a publisher at Angus & Robertson, Rodda's first book was published in 1984.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
July 7, 2017
D U D E
THESE BOOKS WERE THE FUCKING SHIT WHEN I WAS 11!!!!!
THESE BOOKS WERE THE FUCKING SHIT WHEN I WAS 11!!!!!
January 5, 2009
At first glance, this sounds like dozens (and probably hundreds) of other fantasy novels for children. Two mismatched kids figure out a way into a magical realm and are immediately in danger. They set out on a quest, during which they meet many fascinating denizens of the realm and learn much about themselves and each other. Ultimately, all ends well.
This happens to a genre that is as delicious to me as strawberries with cream. Whether it’s the Narnia books, Alice in Wonderland, or the many contemporary examples of the genre, there is something about strangers in a strange land that gets the creative and imaginative juices flowing.
Luckily, The Key to Rondo happens to be an especially fine example of this type of fantasy. It has Rules That Must Not Be Broken (all pertaining to an old painted music box, which happens also to be the alternate world), as well as logical repercussions when these rules are broken. Strange and ominous occurrences in early chapters receive surprising explanations by the end of the book. Characters and plot work together in the most satisfying way.
Leo and Mimi are the two children who are plunged into this world when Mimi (a rather disagreeable child a la Eustace Scrubb from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader or – to use a non-fantasy example – Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden) insists on breaking the first rule of the music box that Leo (a risk-averse, obedient child) has just inherited from his aunt. Instead of stopping at three turns, Mimi winds it four times, which allows a nasty witch from the music box world to enter their own world. This witch steals Mimi’s beloved dog, forcing Mimi (and thus a reluctant Leo) to enter the music box world to get him back.
Neither Mimi nor Leo become different people – flaws and quirks thankfully remain in place – but their quest brings them greater understanding and appreciation of each other and allows them to grow, as every good quest must. They meet a variety of human, animal, and fantastical creatures, many of whom are based on familiar fairy tale characters (a bit like Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon Hale, Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner, and many other similar fantasies). However, these characters are complex and interesting folks in their own right and never once come across as undeveloped or stock.
Danger, treachery, misunderstanding, and plenty of magic and humor combine to make this a thrilling and engrossing fantasy for grades 4 – 8.
This happens to a genre that is as delicious to me as strawberries with cream. Whether it’s the Narnia books, Alice in Wonderland, or the many contemporary examples of the genre, there is something about strangers in a strange land that gets the creative and imaginative juices flowing.
Luckily, The Key to Rondo happens to be an especially fine example of this type of fantasy. It has Rules That Must Not Be Broken (all pertaining to an old painted music box, which happens also to be the alternate world), as well as logical repercussions when these rules are broken. Strange and ominous occurrences in early chapters receive surprising explanations by the end of the book. Characters and plot work together in the most satisfying way.
Leo and Mimi are the two children who are plunged into this world when Mimi (a rather disagreeable child a la Eustace Scrubb from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader or – to use a non-fantasy example – Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden) insists on breaking the first rule of the music box that Leo (a risk-averse, obedient child) has just inherited from his aunt. Instead of stopping at three turns, Mimi winds it four times, which allows a nasty witch from the music box world to enter their own world. This witch steals Mimi’s beloved dog, forcing Mimi (and thus a reluctant Leo) to enter the music box world to get him back.
Neither Mimi nor Leo become different people – flaws and quirks thankfully remain in place – but their quest brings them greater understanding and appreciation of each other and allows them to grow, as every good quest must. They meet a variety of human, animal, and fantastical creatures, many of whom are based on familiar fairy tale characters (a bit like Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon Hale, Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner, and many other similar fantasies). However, these characters are complex and interesting folks in their own right and never once come across as undeveloped or stock.
Danger, treachery, misunderstanding, and plenty of magic and humor combine to make this a thrilling and engrossing fantasy for grades 4 – 8.
January 8, 2023
4.5
This book was just too cute.
The world inside of the music box, very detailed, I loved all of the characters and creatures. Reminds me of Narnia plus The Labyrinth 💜
This book was just too cute.
The world inside of the music box, very detailed, I loved all of the characters and creatures. Reminds me of Narnia plus The Labyrinth 💜
January 9, 2023
Curiosity is the forerunner of discovery.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step but for both Leo and Mimi it started with an extra twist. And from that moment onward twists were at every corner.
Although I am practically Leo, Mimi has touched this heart for ever more.
Nursery rhymes and classic times
lead the race at an amazing pace,
A land full of thieves and dots
One must be quick to think on the spots,
With Freda, Conker and spoiler too
And how can we forget about old queen blue,
Leo be quick and Leo be nimble
While you, Mimi, play the borrowed fiddle,
So just remember that talent talks
And you will go on to survive the music box.
As always...
4.5 Stars
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step but for both Leo and Mimi it started with an extra twist. And from that moment onward twists were at every corner.
Although I am practically Leo, Mimi has touched this heart for ever more.
Nursery rhymes and classic times
lead the race at an amazing pace,
A land full of thieves and dots
One must be quick to think on the spots,
With Freda, Conker and spoiler too
And how can we forget about old queen blue,
Leo be quick and Leo be nimble
While you, Mimi, play the borrowed fiddle,
So just remember that talent talks
And you will go on to survive the music box.
As always...
4.5 Stars
March 3, 2014
this book is creative and super epic a must read!!!!
October 26, 2014
It's a book with a mystery .....I love it
May 14, 2017
First in the Rondo fantastical fairytale adventure series for eight-to-eleven-year-old middle-grade readers and revolving around the adventure-seeking Langlander family, and more specifically Leo and Mimi.
In 2008, The Key to Rondo won the Kids Own Australian Literature Awards (KOALA) for Older Readers.
My Take
Right off, I didn't like Mimi. In fact, I wanted to slap her upside the head. Rude. Inconsiderate. Stubborn. Snotty. And then you learn more about her.
There are multiple levels in here that will stimulate the kids, especially if they've been reading their fairy tales. I love how Rodda has twined [so many of] them in. As for tension, there's just the right amount for the young'uns and part of what keeps events smooth is Rodda's use of third-person subjective point-of-view, as the narrator keeps us informed on everyone's thoughts.
I do like the idea of the red hooks, and lol, the thought that clothes don't want to be worn by someone who'd make them look ugly! I mean, really…!
The gingerbread men served at tea seem to foreshadow the world of Rondo. I never thought of them as pests before, though. Well, maybe to my waistline.
That ending was not what I expected, a nice twist on that "happy ending" trope, lol. Such a blatant — and great — excuse to keep going *more laughter* Seems I'll have to pick up The Wizard of Rondo .
The Story
The music box has been in the Langlander family for centuries, and Leo is its new owner. And much more conscientious than his annoying, rule-breaking cousin!
It's a rude introduction to Rondo, and worse when they hear the Langlander tales from Grandma. It's not just a matter of rescuing Mutt from the evil queen, but freeing this world from what their ancestors have done.
The Characters
Young Leo Zifkak has a fascination for woodworking, that no one encourages.
Tony Zifkak, a scientist who prefers the comfortable refuge of his home, and Suzanne Langlander are his parents. Einstein is their black cat.
Marion "Mimi" Langlander, a brilliant violinist, is his least-favorite second cousin; her own family doesn't know what (or want anything) to do with her. Mutt is Mimi's persnickety dog. Aunt Carol and Uncle Robert are her parents heading off on vacation. Her siblings (and their spouses??) include Chris and Kwon and Martin and Monique.
Rondo is…
…the world around the music box. Crumble is the pie man. Posy is the flower seller. Officer Begood is the local copper. Old Jolly runs the Black Sheep inn. The vain Bertha is Jolly's much-painted pig with hidden strengths. Seems Jolly took the art gallery owner's advice (Monsieur Rouge-et-Noir) the wrong way, lol. Bertha actually works as a watch pig on Jolly's brother's farm, Farmer Jack Macdonald; Mary is the farmer's wife. Dolly and Teddy run a toy factory. Master Whitebeard has had his wallet stolen. Pop sells balloons.
Freda is the dot-eating duck partnered up with Conker, a dot eradicator.
Rosebud is Jim the woodcutter and Polly (who used to wear a red hood when visiting Grandma)'s baby. They both live with Grandma outside the village. In the woods. Rufus is their dot-eating fox. Charlie had been Grandma's fiddle-playing cat while Arthur had been her husband. Jim's father had been a personal guard for the queen; Lily and Suki had been Jim's sisters [well, Suki was more of a foster-sister] who married Walter. They're all swans now. Seven of 'em.
Hal is the great wizard who broke the queen's power…and broke his own as well.
Flitter Wood is where Tye, a Terlamaine (tiger woman), lives as do the Flitters, bright green little fairies, who live in the Nesting Tree. Hobnob is where Old Wizard Bing lives.
Dots are pests who happen to look like gingerbread men, right down to the two currant eyes and three currant buttons. Hidey-holes are sentient and provide you with, well, a hidey-hole when you need it. Mice act as messengers (which reminds me of Angie Sage's Septimus Heap). Gaps appear to be tunnels through space that shorten the distance between locations.
The Blue Queen's power was broken and the Dark Time ended. Tom Spoiler is a sneak of a thief who is/was in league with the queen.
The Langlanders
Aunt Bethany Langlander had been the last holder of the music box. And it sounds as if she had a very boring life, dying at 94 in front of the telly. Mr. Higgs had been her gardener and handyman. Monty and Ida Langlander had been Aunt Bethany's great-grandparents. Rollo is a long-ago ancestor who had brought the box back from his travels. Alice Langlander had played the harp and ran off to join a circus. Wicked Uncle George Langlander was the family disgrace. Uncle Henry had been the responsible one who drowned three days after he retired from the bank.
The Cover and Title
The cover is just plain scary with Tye looking like an evil cat warrior in black leather corset with studded cap sleeves and studded leather gauntlets, reaching for the sword at her side and leaning up against a huge tree, its ribbed gray bark providing excellent contrast for the bright green winged Flitters flittering around her. The title is in an embossed gold at the top with swirls curling around the end of the "R" and a scroll of leaves waving out from the tip of the "Y".
The title is the true focus of the story, The Key to Rondo.
In 2008, The Key to Rondo won the Kids Own Australian Literature Awards (KOALA) for Older Readers.
My Take
Right off, I didn't like Mimi. In fact, I wanted to slap her upside the head. Rude. Inconsiderate. Stubborn. Snotty. And then you learn more about her.
There are multiple levels in here that will stimulate the kids, especially if they've been reading their fairy tales. I love how Rodda has twined [so many of] them in. As for tension, there's just the right amount for the young'uns and part of what keeps events smooth is Rodda's use of third-person subjective point-of-view, as the narrator keeps us informed on everyone's thoughts.
I do like the idea of the red hooks, and lol, the thought that clothes don't want to be worn by someone who'd make them look ugly! I mean, really…!
The gingerbread men served at tea seem to foreshadow the world of Rondo. I never thought of them as pests before, though. Well, maybe to my waistline.
That ending was not what I expected, a nice twist on that "happy ending" trope, lol. Such a blatant — and great — excuse to keep going *more laughter* Seems I'll have to pick up The Wizard of Rondo .
The Story
The music box has been in the Langlander family for centuries, and Leo is its new owner. And much more conscientious than his annoying, rule-breaking cousin!
It's a rude introduction to Rondo, and worse when they hear the Langlander tales from Grandma. It's not just a matter of rescuing Mutt from the evil queen, but freeing this world from what their ancestors have done.
The Characters
Young Leo Zifkak has a fascination for woodworking, that no one encourages.
Tony Zifkak, a scientist who prefers the comfortable refuge of his home, and Suzanne Langlander are his parents. Einstein is their black cat.
Marion "Mimi" Langlander, a brilliant violinist, is his least-favorite second cousin; her own family doesn't know what (or want anything) to do with her. Mutt is Mimi's persnickety dog. Aunt Carol and Uncle Robert are her parents heading off on vacation. Her siblings (and their spouses??) include Chris and Kwon and Martin and Monique.
Rondo is…
…the world around the music box. Crumble is the pie man. Posy is the flower seller. Officer Begood is the local copper. Old Jolly runs the Black Sheep inn. The vain Bertha is Jolly's much-painted pig with hidden strengths. Seems Jolly took the art gallery owner's advice (Monsieur Rouge-et-Noir) the wrong way, lol. Bertha actually works as a watch pig on Jolly's brother's farm, Farmer Jack Macdonald; Mary is the farmer's wife. Dolly and Teddy run a toy factory. Master Whitebeard has had his wallet stolen. Pop sells balloons.
Freda is the dot-eating duck partnered up with Conker, a dot eradicator.
Rosebud is Jim the woodcutter and Polly (who used to wear a red hood when visiting Grandma)'s baby. They both live with Grandma outside the village. In the woods. Rufus is their dot-eating fox. Charlie had been Grandma's fiddle-playing cat while Arthur had been her husband. Jim's father had been a personal guard for the queen; Lily and Suki had been Jim's sisters [well, Suki was more of a foster-sister] who married Walter. They're all swans now. Seven of 'em.
Hal is the great wizard who broke the queen's power…and broke his own as well.
Flitter Wood is where Tye, a Terlamaine (tiger woman), lives as do the Flitters, bright green little fairies, who live in the Nesting Tree. Hobnob is where Old Wizard Bing lives.
Dots are pests who happen to look like gingerbread men, right down to the two currant eyes and three currant buttons. Hidey-holes are sentient and provide you with, well, a hidey-hole when you need it. Mice act as messengers (which reminds me of Angie Sage's Septimus Heap). Gaps appear to be tunnels through space that shorten the distance between locations.
The Blue Queen's power was broken and the Dark Time ended. Tom Spoiler is a sneak of a thief who is/was in league with the queen.
The Langlanders
Aunt Bethany Langlander had been the last holder of the music box. And it sounds as if she had a very boring life, dying at 94 in front of the telly. Mr. Higgs had been her gardener and handyman. Monty and Ida Langlander had been Aunt Bethany's great-grandparents. Rollo is a long-ago ancestor who had brought the box back from his travels. Alice Langlander had played the harp and ran off to join a circus. Wicked Uncle George Langlander was the family disgrace. Uncle Henry had been the responsible one who drowned three days after he retired from the bank.
The Cover and Title
The cover is just plain scary with Tye looking like an evil cat warrior in black leather corset with studded cap sleeves and studded leather gauntlets, reaching for the sword at her side and leaning up against a huge tree, its ribbed gray bark providing excellent contrast for the bright green winged Flitters flittering around her. The title is in an embossed gold at the top with swirls curling around the end of the "R" and a scroll of leaves waving out from the tip of the "Y".
The title is the true focus of the story, The Key to Rondo.
February 2, 2008
The Key To Rondo is the newest title from Australian author Emily Rodda (Rowan of Rin series). When Leo Zifkak inherits his Aunt Bethany's elaborately decorated music box he takes the rules posted on the bottom seriously - only wind it up three turns, never pick it up while its playing. His cousin, Mimi, on the other hand is a little less of a conformist and winds the box four times. Butterflies come alive from one panel of paintings. This is the same high quality fantasy for middles grade readers that Rodda perfected with the Rowan series. Recommend The Key to Rondo to fantasy readers who enjoy quick pacing, clever plot, and unique characters.
December 30, 2017
An excellent Christmas present from my sister. I hadn't read any Emily Rodda since late primary school/early high school and really enjoyed reading this new (to me) one. Great world building, good premise, just the characters could be a bit annoying sometimes. I liked the twists and turns.
December 22, 2020
I had nightmares about the Blue Queen for weeks.
November 17, 2008
This was a great book to read. It had you hooked from the first when you just pick it up and clear until the end. It was fun to see each character change through the whole book. Mimi is my favorite because she is strong she just doesnt know it. She had to really overcome her insecurity to face her choice in the end. Leo was great. You will love all the characters and have fun trying to guess which fairy tale they come from. Great book will probably have a sequel.
July 27, 2018
Bertha is definitely the best part! We enjoy the Deltora series better than this one and found Rondo slow to get going. After we adjusted to its pace and theme (ie this is NOT Deltora), we enjoyed it a lot more. Read it aloud to my kids ages 7-15.
October 5, 2025
thought it would be fun to go back to my fave author as a kid and it was!
May 29, 2022
I read this series in Year 5-6 but my brother and I read it again for his bedtime stories.
October 5, 2024
It's a decent adventure and an easy read. I enjoyed the references to other fairy tales and the world of Rondo itself. I definitely would've enjoyed it more as a kid. However, there were a few plot points and character decisions that riled me up. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and things were resolved too easily in my opinion. Emily Rodda definitely has better works.
January 7, 2025
I loved this book dad would always read some to us before we go to bed definitely recommend this book I rate it a definite 5
March 24, 2020
I have nothing much to say bout this book. It was an okay read. Didn't make much of an impact to me. Went through it pretty quickly. Although I do have to say the last couple of pages got pretty interesting. Good want to make you want to pick up the next book, but I don't think I will
September 13, 2017
I think that this book was really good, and I would recommend it to someone looking for a good fantasy novel. One think that I think the author did very well was throughout the story, was revealing secrets about the characters that you would have never thought of. I also liked the incorporation of a tiny world, as that is something that I think is something I can easily imagine.
February 22, 2017
The Key to Rondo by Emily Rodda is a fantasy book which starts from an old music box with strict rules that has been given to Leo through the Langlander.
Important!
Turn the key three times only
Never turn the key while the music is playing
Never pick up the box while the music is playing
Never close the lid until the music has stopped
The box is painted with villages, mysterious forest, a castle on a hill and a queen in along blue gown, known as the Blue Queen. The main characters in the book are Leo who is a shy and timid person who follows the rules while his cousin Mimi is the total opposite but has a secretive. A key theme is trust as throughout the book the characters need to depend on each other and trust each other to not fall into deeper trouble. I personally thought that it was quite a nice to book to read. I liked how there were many unexpected turns. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy an adventure book mixed with fantasy and friendship. :)
Important!
Turn the key three times only
Never turn the key while the music is playing
Never pick up the box while the music is playing
Never close the lid until the music has stopped
The box is painted with villages, mysterious forest, a castle on a hill and a queen in along blue gown, known as the Blue Queen. The main characters in the book are Leo who is a shy and timid person who follows the rules while his cousin Mimi is the total opposite but has a secretive. A key theme is trust as throughout the book the characters need to depend on each other and trust each other to not fall into deeper trouble. I personally thought that it was quite a nice to book to read. I liked how there were many unexpected turns. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy an adventure book mixed with fantasy and friendship. :)
December 18, 2014
The reason why I was reading this book was because I didn't have any other books to read. Although I've bought this book, I've never read it because the cover doesn't look really interesting. So I decided to start reading this. Mimi and Leo were cousins and Mimi was the dark-sided trouble maker. Leo was honest and responsible. One day Mimi decided to turn the music box(Rondo) more than three times(the generations of longlanders were told not to wind it more than three times). The blue queen took Mimi's dog and that's when Mimi and Leo decided to go to Rondo to save the dog.
Theme:
I think that the theme for this book is to be wary of whom you're talking to. Since Leo and Mimi were in a hurry to find Mutt (dog) they trusted anyone they can which led to consequences. Sometimes they were too cautious and over think things when someone is helping them. Too much wariness can cause betrayal and sometimes even worse. In the text it states, "We thought you were writing to the Blue Queen. The mouse was so scared" (324). This reveals that if you worry too much it can have good or bad effects.
I learn from this book that you should be careful to who you are talking to and not break any rules.
Theme:
I think that the theme for this book is to be wary of whom you're talking to. Since Leo and Mimi were in a hurry to find Mutt (dog) they trusted anyone they can which led to consequences. Sometimes they were too cautious and over think things when someone is helping them. Too much wariness can cause betrayal and sometimes even worse. In the text it states, "We thought you were writing to the Blue Queen. The mouse was so scared" (324). This reveals that if you worry too much it can have good or bad effects.
I learn from this book that you should be careful to who you are talking to and not break any rules.
February 22, 2018
12yo: I'd recommend the Rondo books for just about everyone. I love the way friendships are built in The Key to Rhondo as they go on a quest. The characters are diverse and comfortable within themselves. It's a book for all ages and all types of people.
10yo: I recommend TKtR to everyone who loves fantasy and adventure. There's an amazing quest with friendship, dragons, and unexpected twists and turns.
14yo: I first read TKtR many years ago, and since then I've reread it many times, and still love it. The characters are what has always made me love this book - they're funny and unexpected. I'd recommend any of Emily Rhonda's books to children of all ages, but TKtR is an enduring favourite.
11yo: I'd recommend TKtR for anyone old enough not to be scared by book bad guys. There's a bunch of characters who start out on the quest together, who slowly learn more about each other and become great great friends. It's fun, they have loads of adventures and become firm friends, and reading about it will make you happy!
5yo: I haven't read this, I can't even read!
Overall verdict:
Four kids give it five favourite book ever by a favourite author stars
10yo: I recommend TKtR to everyone who loves fantasy and adventure. There's an amazing quest with friendship, dragons, and unexpected twists and turns.
14yo: I first read TKtR many years ago, and since then I've reread it many times, and still love it. The characters are what has always made me love this book - they're funny and unexpected. I'd recommend any of Emily Rhonda's books to children of all ages, but TKtR is an enduring favourite.
11yo: I'd recommend TKtR for anyone old enough not to be scared by book bad guys. There's a bunch of characters who start out on the quest together, who slowly learn more about each other and become great great friends. It's fun, they have loads of adventures and become firm friends, and reading about it will make you happy!
5yo: I haven't read this, I can't even read!
Overall verdict:
Four kids give it five favourite book ever by a favourite author stars
June 30, 2013
So cute, so cute, so cute!! This book had a little inception going on-- this secret music box world within our own much bigger and more complex world. I love all the books that Emily Rodda writes because to me, they have a sort of whimsy and uniqueness to them. This definitely does not disappoint.
I was a little hesitant to read it, but I was on a long 14 hour road trip, so I wasn't about to complain when my sister handed me some reading material to divert my mind from the boredom.
All in all, it's a cute read. Rodda puts in some awesome imagery details that really help the reader imagine the world as she did. Ah, yes the world building is fairly intricate for the intended audience. I was in heaven!! And inexplicably, I was drawn to Spoiler. His character as the bad guy really just intrigued me, more so than the main villain, the Blue Queen. And I loved Hal!!! So much!! All the characters were very likable and original. Definitely worth a shot reading to all you out there!
I was a little hesitant to read it, but I was on a long 14 hour road trip, so I wasn't about to complain when my sister handed me some reading material to divert my mind from the boredom.
All in all, it's a cute read. Rodda puts in some awesome imagery details that really help the reader imagine the world as she did. Ah, yes the world building is fairly intricate for the intended audience. I was in heaven!! And inexplicably, I was drawn to Spoiler. His character as the bad guy really just intrigued me, more so than the main villain, the Blue Queen. And I loved Hal!!! So much!! All the characters were very likable and original. Definitely worth a shot reading to all you out there!
July 28, 2010
It is difficult to describe this book without making it sound completely generic: two normal kids are transported by a magical object into a fairy-tale realm where they must must make their way through dangers to a final confrontation with an evil queen. There are supporting characters, good and bad, including talking animals. Yeah, this has all been done before. Originality is not a strong point here. But if you like this type of fantasy this is a reasonably well-done example: It is entertaining and moves along quickly. Leo and Mimi could stand a little more depth, but they are believable as kids and behave appropriately for their ages, not accomplishing any unrealistic deeds of cleverness or martial prowess. Rodda manages a good balance between danger and not being too scary for younger readers.
May 25, 2012
This was a cute story and a fast. Leo inherits a beautifully hand-painted music box that comes with very specific rules about how many times to wind it and when it can be moved. Leo is determined to follow these rules but when his cousin Mimi comes to visit she thinks the rules are stupid. What they discover is that those rules were designed to keep the world inside the music box a secret. When the rules are broken people and creatures from this world can come out and people from Leo and Mimi's world can go in.
When Mimi breaks turns the key too many times the Blue Queen comes out and kidnaps Mimi's dog Mutt. Mimi is determined to get him back and goes in after him. Poor Leo is dragged along for the ride. What follows is a fun little story about their adventures as they learn who to trust and who is not worthy of trust.
I'll definitely be continuing on to Book 2.
When Mimi breaks turns the key too many times the Blue Queen comes out and kidnaps Mimi's dog Mutt. Mimi is determined to get him back and goes in after him. Poor Leo is dragged along for the ride. What follows is a fun little story about their adventures as they learn who to trust and who is not worthy of trust.
I'll definitely be continuing on to Book 2.
February 10, 2017
The only thing I enjoyed about this book were the plot twists along the way, kept the storyline going and it was very satisfying to see all the pieces slowly falling into place. However, neither Leo nor Mimi was likable, not even till the end where they were supposed to have shown some personal growth. The big finale at the end where they finally face the Blue Queen was incredibly underwhelming. Not what you would expect from an all-powerful antagonist, the big fight was just a lot of scrambling around and damn luck. I've always been a Rodda fan (from Rowan of Rin to Deltora Quest), but this was the first time I understood why her books are shelved under the Junior Fiction section in the library, instead of Young Adults or Fantasy.
February 16, 2018
This is my first audiobooks. Having a baby, listening to audiobooks helps greatly. Being able to read by listening, while nursing the baby. But sometimes i miss out, and that’s the luxury of back tracking :)
Anyway becoz this is the first time, i kind of liking how the audiobook works. Despite it was quite calming as well for the baby (so i can put through speaker) and being i do not need to carry a physical books and just let someone else reads the words for me. Yea, i like it, but story wise i just able to give a rating of 2 out of 5 or 10, being a middle grade reads but the story just so so, definitely not blowing my mind. So for the audiobook part, i kind of liking it.
Please recommend me some good audiobooks that i should listen to. Thanks guys. Cheers.
Anyway becoz this is the first time, i kind of liking how the audiobook works. Despite it was quite calming as well for the baby (so i can put through speaker) and being i do not need to carry a physical books and just let someone else reads the words for me. Yea, i like it, but story wise i just able to give a rating of 2 out of 5 or 10, being a middle grade reads but the story just so so, definitely not blowing my mind. So for the audiobook part, i kind of liking it.
Please recommend me some good audiobooks that i should listen to. Thanks guys. Cheers.
August 23, 2012
2.5 - 3 stars
I liked Mimi and Leo and how they go from rather disliking each other to grudging respect and sympathy. The supporting cast was colourful, though not deeply drawn. Partially comic, partially a coming-of-age tale and an adventure into another world inside a music box that has been handed down in cousins Leo and Mimi's family for generations. They have to rescue a dog and defeat an evil sorceress. They get to return home, but it is clear that their adventuring in the land of Rondo is far from over.
Juvenile, indeed, but fun. A good MG adventure.
I liked Mimi and Leo and how they go from rather disliking each other to grudging respect and sympathy. The supporting cast was colourful, though not deeply drawn. Partially comic, partially a coming-of-age tale and an adventure into another world inside a music box that has been handed down in cousins Leo and Mimi's family for generations. They have to rescue a dog and defeat an evil sorceress. They get to return home, but it is clear that their adventuring in the land of Rondo is far from over.
Juvenile, indeed, but fun. A good MG adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2019
Unoriginal premise. Uninspired characters. Tedious plot. Dull prose. This is what I remember when I tried, desperately, to read this, and I absolutely could not get into it. And I love fantasy stories about children finding strange new worlds. But there was absolutely nothing about this book that promised anything new or original. The characters were one-dimensional and bland. It was boring as heck. Don't know if I'd try anything else by Rodda.
August 16, 2015
The is amazing book I recommend you to read and easy to read like the words flow nicely My favorite character is Leo because I think he has done the right thing by getting out of his comfort zone. When you read it in chapters at a time the end really leaves you hanging till the next chapter. And at the end I found out why Leos aunt left the music box to him.
November 3, 2016
Revisiting old childhood favourites is like reminiscing over baby photos. They always fill you with such happiness and wonder. The Key to Rondo is such a creative and imaginative story. I love the twists on fairytales and all the characters are just gorgeous. I can picture everything so clearly whenever I read a Rodda book, that's word magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews