Questions About The Imaginary

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Answered Questions (4)

Did anyone else notice the possible Narnia reference? Wardrobes appear to be portals between the imaginaries' library and the homes of their children. (Amanda first meets Rudger in her wardrobe, and Julia first sees "Veronica" in her wardrobe.) However, Fridge just appears seemingly out of nowhere when he exits the "corridor" and enters the hospital room.

Madeline That is an interesting connection, and I also wondered if there was a deeper metaphor about the imaginaries and Mr. Bunting and what they represent.

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why did rudger run from mr.Bunting?

Hello Naomi

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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what was the babysitters name?

MANDI The babysitters name is Marigold. (Goldie)
…moreThe babysitters name is Marigold. (Goldie)
(less)

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Is Amanda's age ever explicitly given? I've found a lot of clues that, to me, would put her between 10-12, but I'd really like to know her actual age! Anybody?

Isabel Bryan [the Bookmark Hoarder] No, I don't think it is given. When she first sees the girl with Mr. Bunting, the author describes her as "a little girl about Amanda's age" (pg. 20).…moreNo, I don't think it is given. When she first sees the girl with Mr. Bunting, the author describes her as "a little girl about Amanda's age" (pg. 20). I would say Amanda is probably between 9-12, but definitely not older. I assume the author doesn't mention how old Amanda's is so the book can be relatable to kids within a wide age range.

However, I did notice a clipboard on the edge of Amana's hospital bed in a couple of the illustrations. Some of the words on it are visible- you can see "D.O.B.", but not the year (pgs. 172, 178-179). All I can make out is "19-8-" and what looks like some scribbles that resemble numbers. It's even more blurred on pg. 178, but if I had to guess the year would be '03. Since the book was published in 2014, this would make her 11 years old. But the scribbles on pg. 172 look more like "782" to me, which makes no sense as a year, of course.(less)

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