Each story in The Mailbox Adventures takes young readers on an exciting action-packed journey to a place of the world not typically covered by elementary school geography.
In this first book of The Mailbox Adventures series, a priceless ancient artifact is in jeopardy of being stolen, but Joey Jimmer-Jefferson has no idea. That is, until he is magically transported to the shore of the world's highest lake in South America through a mysterious mailbox found in the attic of his family's 200 year old Vermont farmhouse. How does the mailbox work, why did it pick him and how will he get back home? Joey needs to figure these questions out while he simultaneously tries to complete the task he has been thrust saving the priceless treasure from falling into the wrong hands. He will need more courage than he knew he had, and lots of quick thinking to outsmart the notorious Quizquiz Treasure Thieves.
TITLE: The Treasure From Lake Titicaca AUTHOR: GS McClellan ILLUSTRATION: Julie Sneeden
Magic Adventure Escape
The Treasure From Lake Titicaca written by author GS McClellan and illustrated by Julie Sneeden is an adventure fantasy chapter book and the first in The Mailbox Adventure series, that is fun, easy to read, and very engrossing. The story follows Joey, who finds a dusty old mailbox in their old farmhouse attic. To his surprise, the mailbox magically transports Joey to Isla Del Sol in Bolivia, and helps Gustavo protect a headdress - a family heirloom.
I found myself enjoying this book so much, that I spent an afternoon just devouring this wonderful escape read. I can see many young readers enjoy this series, and following along the adventures, that encourages being brave and courageous, while also learning different languages and cultures.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the reading the rest of the series.
The Mailbox Adventures #1 The Treasure from Lake Titicaca is a magical children’s chapter book, by author, Gs McClellan. It’s the first release in The Mailbox Adventures series. Written and copyrighted initially in 2013, this book amazingly is just being published now.
In the inaugural installment we meet Joey Jimmer-Jefferson, a curious young boy who one day finds an interesting looking mailbox in the attic of his Vermont farmhouse home. Sneakily taking into his room one night, he awakens to bright light coming from the box. Upon opening the door he sees a letter, addressed specifically to him. How did it get there and how does its writer know him?
Before Joey has a chance to grasp what’s happening, the mailbox transports him into another world. Inside the mailbox he meets Gustavo, a South American boy who needs help. While Gustavo didn’t summons Joey specifically, it’s revealed that one of the mailbox’s powers is to match its requests with the right recipients. Gustavo needs someone who exudes courage to get a special family heirloom to a safe place. Suddenly, Joey finds himself thrust into a terrifying and exciting journey to help his newfound friend before the item falls into the hands of the Quizquiz Treasure Thieves. Can Joey deliver the special package in time?
The Mailbox Adventures #1 The Treasure from Lake Titicaca was a quick and wonderful book, the perfect escape to entice young readers. Reminiscent of the Choose Your Own Adventure Books of my youth, or even the uber popular, Magic Tree House series, future installments promise to follow Joey on even more quests. In fact, thesecond book in the series, entitled Tempest Over Tahiti, adds Joey’s sister into the mix, all while exposing children to new and enticing destinations and cultures.
This story was so enjoyable that my only complaint would be I wanted more of it! Thank you to Red Clover Digital for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
What did you love about this book? I loved that it brought you to a different place that you would usually go. It was a total adventure. There was suspense and fun wrapped in an amazing plot.
What types of adventures did you go thorough the pages of the book? I traveled to South America and completed a mission through the pages of the book. It was so much fun to be able to go on such a thrilling ride with Joey.
Who would you recommend this book to? I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Magic Tree House series and those that enjoy suspense and adventure.
How many stars would you give this book on a scale of 1-5? 4.5 stars
My son (almost 7) and I both loved this book! What *I* liked: The concept. It was adorable and paced perfectly for a read aloud with my son. He could read 85% independently, which is also awesome. It’s a chapter book, but still has illustrations. I learned new things!! Both the location and culture highlighted were previously pretty unknown to me! (I loved that. Always, always eager to learn something new!) It had a great message, and it promotes further engagement because Joey and Josie’s address is in the back of the book and it asks for a return address so a letter can be mailed back! We will 100% be doing this. I already purchased the second and third books in the series cause he was adamant that he “needed” to read the next as soon as possible. See his review below!
“Up until page 30 it was really hooking but then we got to the part that hooked me. That was a really good book. Because it made me SO curious then I loved the adventure and it also had a mystery. Was the headdress cursed? I don’t think we’ll ever know but I think it was because the sickness went away when they returned it. It kinda had a mystery you can solve for yourself. That’s four really good things about it. Yeah I really liked it. That was a really good book.”
The dust in the attic was covering a variety of undiscovered treasures. He slowly sifted through the dirt and grime, looking for something special. So many items with stories about them. So many things that have gone on adventures he wants to explore too. When he finds an old mailbox, tucked away, he carefully lifts it from its dirty prison and wonders how many letters this mailbox has seen.
Treasure from Lake Titicaca is a cute children’s story and the start of a new series following a young boy, Joey. He discovers an old mailbox in the attic of his family’s 1700s home and soon realizes this is no ordinary mailbox.
A story filled with magic, mystery, and adventure this is sure to bring children on a fun journey. Definitely a series to keep an eye on! Also loved the fun facts about Lake Titicaca included at the end of the story.
If you’re looking for a new chapter book series for the middle graders/children in your life filled with magic and adventure, definitely check out this series!
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute middle grade book with a great adventure! I thought the idea of the mailbox was a really interesting way to go on adventures and Joey was a fun MC. He had some self doubt in the beginning, but then really started to believe in himself more towards the end. I also love that he collects the most random things.
It was awesome to go on an adventure in Bolivia, especially during Carnaval, since I don’t think I’ve ever read a book located there! So it was nice to learn a little bit about the country in the book. I can’t wait to see what other locations the mailbox adventures will go to!
This is the first installment of The Mailbox Adventures - Treasure from Lake Titicaca by Gs McClellan copyrighted in 2013 and now being published.
Joey awakes in the middle of the night to a glowing mailbox. Inside is a letter. Curiosity gets the best of him and he immediately opens it. He has no idea he is about to be transported on an adventure to help someone he doesn’t know!
I don’t want to give too much away as this is a short story, but I loved this adventure and the history of this lake! It is perfect for youngsters who are just getting into reading longer stories. I only wish it had been longer as it was a real treat. I am excited to read more from this author.
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for the #gifted copy of the book!
What did you love about this book? I loved that it brought you to a different place that you would usually go. It was a total adventure. There was suspense and fun wrapped in an amazing plot.
What types of adventures did you go thorough the pages of the book? I traveled to South America and completed a mission through the pages of the book. It was so much fun to be able to go on such a thrilling ride with Joey.
Who would you recommend this book to? I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Magic Tree House series and those that enjoy suspense and adventure.
How many stars would you give this book on a scale of 1-5? 4.5 stars
My children and I loved this book. I read it with my two younger girls (10, 8), and they were hanging on my every word. The adventure is thrilling and fun, the illustrations are beautiful, and we loved that it featured Lake Titicaca. I have the Kindle version, but I might just buy the paperback too, especially to read with tutoring students. I highly recommend it!