What do you think?
Rate this book
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox
Neil and Liz measure their lives by the regularity of the seasons, until one year when autumn doesn’t arrive and all weather breaks loose.
Neil and Liz Maloney have a secret: Their father is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year, signaling the changing of the seasons. But this summer when the family gathers to send off the season, the phone doesn’t ring and autumn does not arrive. Instead a mysterious tourist of magic shows up at their doorstep, along with two nonsensical hags and one cat-shaped bog beast. The only one not taken by surprise is their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald, who seems to be able to make the elements of weather itself do her bidding.
Now it’s up to Neil and Liz to discover the source of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s power and restore order to the climate.
Neil and Liz Maloney have a secret: Their father is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year, signaling the changing of the seasons. But this summer when the family gathers to send off the season, the phone doesn’t ring and autumn does not arrive. Instead a mysterious tourist of magic shows up at their doorstep, along with two nonsensical hags and one cat-shaped bog beast. The only one not taken by surprise is their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald, who seems to be able to make the elements of weather itself do her bidding.
Now it’s up to Neil and Liz to discover the source of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s power and restore order to the climate.
320 pages, ebook
First published May 28, 2015
About the author
Nigel Quinlan
12 books65 followers'A boisterous, gusty romp and an exhilarating debut.' Kirkus.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 26, 2015
Weather - Everyone Talks About It, and These Guys Do Something About It
At the outset this looked and felt like it would be a twee little bit of Irish blarney with a grafted on "weather" and "spirit of the seasons" angle that would make it even more precious. Well, I'm a grumpy idiot, and I was wrong. To be fair to me, though, the first chapters are a bit cutesy and summer-is-a-comin'-in lyrical, but once we get that out of the way this book really takes off.
The plot is twisty, action packed and satisfying. The Maloney family characters are distinct and each is given a prominent role in the story. The supporting characters have great appeal. A few of them provide solid, honest comic relief. The action is ripping and the magic is big and compelling. The weather angle is still the weakest aspect, but it's not the central aspect; (the Maloneys are). Anyway a magical fantasy/adventure has to be about something, and striving over who gets to control the weather is more fun than just another story about battling to keep the dark lord/magician/king/demon from taking over some happy fantasy land somewhere.
It's pretty rare to have five family member characters who all each pull their weight. Dad is the Weatherman. The oldest child, and oldest son, Neil, is the heir to the Weatherman mantle. Mom is a powerful figure with a vague backstory. Liz is more interested in the Weatherman legacy than is Neil and chafes at being neither the eldest nor male. Third child Owen is a bit dreamy and vague, but he has his role too. Despite some sibling rivalry, some girrrll power issues, and some parental conflict and distance, all of which work and all of which contribute to the depth of the story, what really matters here is that the Maloneys are a single family, all pulling in the same direction and all protective of each other. Without being heavy-handed, this is "family values" in action.
Balancing this is a great cast of secondary characters. You have a grand wizarding villainess, whose two main henchmen are her husband and son. But then you get wandering "Ed the Tourist" who attaches himself to the Maloneys and is a fascinating compendium of folklore, myth stories, deadpan understatement and total bull. You get two kvetching witches who seem to have wandered in from a Terry Pratchett book. And the list goes on. There's a bog monster. There's some odd, possible dangerous, threatening newborn "thing". These are all well conceived characters and they add spice and vary the pace and tone of the story. An unexpected bonus.
No details here on the plot, except to say that everyone is battling with everyone else to control the weather. The seasons have been sort of anthropromorphised, (or at least given will and purpose), which I don't really go for, but it does add a few more characters to the mix and they don't take an active role throughout the book. As to the titular "Weatherbox", which is the doorway through which the new seasons enter the world, I'm willing to overlook that as just a big winking goof on Dr. Who, and call it a day.
There are a few info dumps and a fair amount of monologuing, but I don't see that as a problem in books for younger readers because it does help them keep track of the who, what, and why of the action. If it doesn't get in the way of the story then I'm fine with being reminded about what's going on. Anyway, most of the info dumps come from engaging characters like the Tourist or Dad or Mom Maloney, so they work better than most.
The upshot for me was that this was a lot more entertaining, amusing and satisfying than I suspected, and much better constructed and written than I had any reason to suspect. If you like magic/fantasy/adventure and are willing to step off the beaten path, this could be a nice choice.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
At the outset this looked and felt like it would be a twee little bit of Irish blarney with a grafted on "weather" and "spirit of the seasons" angle that would make it even more precious. Well, I'm a grumpy idiot, and I was wrong. To be fair to me, though, the first chapters are a bit cutesy and summer-is-a-comin'-in lyrical, but once we get that out of the way this book really takes off.
The plot is twisty, action packed and satisfying. The Maloney family characters are distinct and each is given a prominent role in the story. The supporting characters have great appeal. A few of them provide solid, honest comic relief. The action is ripping and the magic is big and compelling. The weather angle is still the weakest aspect, but it's not the central aspect; (the Maloneys are). Anyway a magical fantasy/adventure has to be about something, and striving over who gets to control the weather is more fun than just another story about battling to keep the dark lord/magician/king/demon from taking over some happy fantasy land somewhere.
It's pretty rare to have five family member characters who all each pull their weight. Dad is the Weatherman. The oldest child, and oldest son, Neil, is the heir to the Weatherman mantle. Mom is a powerful figure with a vague backstory. Liz is more interested in the Weatherman legacy than is Neil and chafes at being neither the eldest nor male. Third child Owen is a bit dreamy and vague, but he has his role too. Despite some sibling rivalry, some girrrll power issues, and some parental conflict and distance, all of which work and all of which contribute to the depth of the story, what really matters here is that the Maloneys are a single family, all pulling in the same direction and all protective of each other. Without being heavy-handed, this is "family values" in action.
Balancing this is a great cast of secondary characters. You have a grand wizarding villainess, whose two main henchmen are her husband and son. But then you get wandering "Ed the Tourist" who attaches himself to the Maloneys and is a fascinating compendium of folklore, myth stories, deadpan understatement and total bull. You get two kvetching witches who seem to have wandered in from a Terry Pratchett book. And the list goes on. There's a bog monster. There's some odd, possible dangerous, threatening newborn "thing". These are all well conceived characters and they add spice and vary the pace and tone of the story. An unexpected bonus.
No details here on the plot, except to say that everyone is battling with everyone else to control the weather. The seasons have been sort of anthropromorphised, (or at least given will and purpose), which I don't really go for, but it does add a few more characters to the mix and they don't take an active role throughout the book. As to the titular "Weatherbox", which is the doorway through which the new seasons enter the world, I'm willing to overlook that as just a big winking goof on Dr. Who, and call it a day.
There are a few info dumps and a fair amount of monologuing, but I don't see that as a problem in books for younger readers because it does help them keep track of the who, what, and why of the action. If it doesn't get in the way of the story then I'm fine with being reminded about what's going on. Anyway, most of the info dumps come from engaging characters like the Tourist or Dad or Mom Maloney, so they work better than most.
The upshot for me was that this was a lot more entertaining, amusing and satisfying than I suspected, and much better constructed and written than I had any reason to suspect. If you like magic/fantasy/adventure and are willing to step off the beaten path, this could be a nice choice.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 2, 2015
I'm really torn on this one.
I didn't enjoy the beginning. There was next to no exposition, very little worldbuilding - for the first chapter, I couldn't tell whether things were metaphorical or real. And the second chapter wasn't a whole lot better, when Neil had already described Liz as mad and here she goes proving it. I almost walked away from it.
Things started getting a bit more clear around the 25% mark, but even then I couldn't decide whether the story was absolutely brilliant or a complete mess.
BUT the last third-to-half. Wow. If the rest of the book had had the intensity and focus and grip that the last bit had, this book would be on some award lists. It took this review from about 1.5 stars to a full 3, and moved it on to my "recommend to patrons" list. (But I'm going to have to tell them to stick with it until it gets really good.)
- ARC received from NetGalley
I didn't enjoy the beginning. There was next to no exposition, very little worldbuilding - for the first chapter, I couldn't tell whether things were metaphorical or real. And the second chapter wasn't a whole lot better, when Neil had already described Liz as mad and here she goes proving it. I almost walked away from it.
Things started getting a bit more clear around the 25% mark, but even then I couldn't decide whether the story was absolutely brilliant or a complete mess.
BUT the last third-to-half. Wow. If the rest of the book had had the intensity and focus and grip that the last bit had, this book would be on some award lists. It took this review from about 1.5 stars to a full 3, and moved it on to my "recommend to patrons" list. (But I'm going to have to tell them to stick with it until it gets really good.)
- ARC received from NetGalley
September 19, 2023
Ok. I tried more than half the book and finally gave up. Could not get into it. Didn’t enjoy the fantasy aspects, did not like the characters particularly and the plot was all over the place. I would definitely not recommend this book to a reluctant or low level reader. 🫤
August 3, 2015
I'm really torn about this rating. I loved the middle and the end of the book. It was exciting, fast, entertaining, and suspenseful. The beginning of the book however, was pretty rough. I'm not sure if the intended audience would stick with it quite as long as I did. (totally worth it) If I handed this to a reader, I would give a disclaimer about reading a quarter of the book before giving up.
October 2, 2018
This is a great novel for children and adults alike, it was distinctly Irish, there were many surprises and delicious moments of treachery and magic; a satisfying rewarding read that will keep you guessing until the final page.
June 12, 2015
This is a cute and unique read though the writing lacked that spark I need in middle grade and there was a lot of info dumping. If you know a kid who is a weather geek, this is perfect!
May 18, 2015
This was a ton of fun - a fast, energetic read with a great mix of mythology, adventure and a hint of enviromentalism thrown in. Great for 9+ readers.
November 8, 2015
A mad-cap adventure built on an original premise. I loved the Maloney family unit, the Irishness, and the humour. Great fun!
October 14, 2017
This is a fun, smart, well-written book. Quinlan alternates the POV in each chapter to give us both Neil and Liz's perspectives. This works well since they are not always together, but they are always in the thick of things. Quinlan does a good job of showing kids that people are not always what they seem, and that sometimes good people do bad things. He also let's readers know that it's okay to have and pursue dreams . . . and that it's okay to change your dreams. I found the premise of Weathermen as the focal point to be a unique one and I liked that there is magic in this world, but also that there are limits to the magic.
February 20, 2024
I stuck with it to the end, and I can say it was much better toward the end. I didn't like the beginning at all. It was info dumping all over the place, and I was wondering whether everyone was serious at first. I was also like, "Why is this little girl running around with a bow and arrow doing silly dances and running a bed and breakfast and not in a mental hospital?" But I never know when to quit when I come across books I don't like, and I am so glad I did stick around! It gets better at the end, guys, I promise!
August 1, 2018
A crazy cracking adventure with The Magical Maloneys saving the world from a weather crisis.
July 15, 2015
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox by Nigel Quinlan is a middle grade book that is currently scheduled for release on July 28 2015. Neil and Liz Maloney have a secret; their father is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year, signaling the changing of the seasons. But this summer when the family gathers to send off the season, the phone doesn’t ring and autumn does not arrive. Instead a mysterious tourist of magic shows up at their doorstep, along with two nonsensical hags and one cat-shaped bog beast. The only one not taken by surprise is their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald, who seems to be able to make the elements of weather itself do her bidding. Now it’s up to Neil and Liz to discover the source of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s power and restore order to the climate.
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox is a story that has adventure, some mystery, and plenty of character development. The story alternates between viewpoints, which bothers some readers, but I think the transitions work well here. The Maloney siblings and parents are all interesting characters with much more to them than you expect when you start the book. In fact, even the most innocent and basic character (such as a cat) are much more than they appear. I loved the layers of each and enjoyed the discovery of their more unique aspect. The action and adventure of the story starts out like an expected fantasy novel, but as the story continued and we learn more about their world and how important each character is in the big picture it just expanded more and more. While there was a solid resolution, I would love to return to this world and have another adventure with the Maloneys or their friends.
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox was a great middle grade novel that can appeal to the older children and adults can also enjoy. THe characters and the story are quite dynamic with several layers and simply so much going on that it should have been overwhelming, but it wasn't. I love the world Quinlan created here, and hope that there will be further adventures here, even if it is unrelated to the Maloneys.
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox is a story that has adventure, some mystery, and plenty of character development. The story alternates between viewpoints, which bothers some readers, but I think the transitions work well here. The Maloney siblings and parents are all interesting characters with much more to them than you expect when you start the book. In fact, even the most innocent and basic character (such as a cat) are much more than they appear. I loved the layers of each and enjoyed the discovery of their more unique aspect. The action and adventure of the story starts out like an expected fantasy novel, but as the story continued and we learn more about their world and how important each character is in the big picture it just expanded more and more. While there was a solid resolution, I would love to return to this world and have another adventure with the Maloneys or their friends.
The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox was a great middle grade novel that can appeal to the older children and adults can also enjoy. THe characters and the story are quite dynamic with several layers and simply so much going on that it should have been overwhelming, but it wasn't. I love the world Quinlan created here, and hope that there will be further adventures here, even if it is unrelated to the Maloneys.
March 17, 2015
Have you seen the movie, "The Avengers"? Not the Marvel superheroes movie, the other one - based on the 1960s TV series. There's a scene where John Steed and Emma Peele visit a place called Wonderland Weather. It is the latest thing in custom meteorology; you simply request the weather you wish to purchase and it is delivered to you through your phone line.
The magical weatherbox in the title reminds me of that scene. Liz, Neil, and Owen live with their parents in a house that has a vintage callbox in the front yard. Although from the cover illustration, it looks as if the box has come from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" or perhaps a "Dr. Who" episode, it actually is the way in which each season is welcomed in by their father, the Weatherman. Unfortunately, someone else wants his job and has been scheming for years to get it. Everything from embezzlement, fraudulent investments, kidnapping, and cut phone lines are used to bring about this change in power.
Neil has been trained his whole life to take his father's place, and Liz has trained to be his Shieldsman and protector. But no one is prepared for what happens when Autumn doesn't arrive and Summer seems stuck permanently. Throw in a bog beast, several witches, some eco-terrorists, and a tourist in a large lorry, and you've got quite a story.
Readers who enjoy fantasy, action, and mystery all swirled together (like a super-storm), will enjoy this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The magical weatherbox in the title reminds me of that scene. Liz, Neil, and Owen live with their parents in a house that has a vintage callbox in the front yard. Although from the cover illustration, it looks as if the box has come from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" or perhaps a "Dr. Who" episode, it actually is the way in which each season is welcomed in by their father, the Weatherman. Unfortunately, someone else wants his job and has been scheming for years to get it. Everything from embezzlement, fraudulent investments, kidnapping, and cut phone lines are used to bring about this change in power.
Neil has been trained his whole life to take his father's place, and Liz has trained to be his Shieldsman and protector. But no one is prepared for what happens when Autumn doesn't arrive and Summer seems stuck permanently. Throw in a bog beast, several witches, some eco-terrorists, and a tourist in a large lorry, and you've got quite a story.
Readers who enjoy fantasy, action, and mystery all swirled together (like a super-storm), will enjoy this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
July 21, 2015
THE MALONEYS’ MAGICAL WEATHERBOX by Nigel Quinlan is an unusual middle-grades fantasy adventure featuring wild weather, evildoers, and meteorological magic.
Ireland is stuck in Summer when the Weatherman’s special weatherbox is disconnected by a power hungry neighbor who wants control of the seasons. The Maloney family including children Neil, Liz, and Owen must fight and sacrifice in their battle with their evil competition and the angry elementals.
While the rural Irish setting is familiar, everything else about this unconventional tale is slightly out of kilter. From the mysterious tourist to the magical cat creature, Quinlan keeps readers guessing as they explore a weird world closely connected to our own. While some children will find this type of fantasy disorienting, others will enjoy suspending disbelief and immerse themselves in this fictional universe.
Librarians will find an audience for this strange story among children who enjoy magical situations, odd characters, and unusual weather phenomena. Those middle-grade youth with strong roots in reality and science may simply find the premise silly and nonsensical.
To learn more about Nigel Quinlan, go to http://nigelquinlan.tumblr.com/.
Published by Roaring Brook Press on July 28, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.
Ireland is stuck in Summer when the Weatherman’s special weatherbox is disconnected by a power hungry neighbor who wants control of the seasons. The Maloney family including children Neil, Liz, and Owen must fight and sacrifice in their battle with their evil competition and the angry elementals.
While the rural Irish setting is familiar, everything else about this unconventional tale is slightly out of kilter. From the mysterious tourist to the magical cat creature, Quinlan keeps readers guessing as they explore a weird world closely connected to our own. While some children will find this type of fantasy disorienting, others will enjoy suspending disbelief and immerse themselves in this fictional universe.
Librarians will find an audience for this strange story among children who enjoy magical situations, odd characters, and unusual weather phenomena. Those middle-grade youth with strong roots in reality and science may simply find the premise silly and nonsensical.
To learn more about Nigel Quinlan, go to http://nigelquinlan.tumblr.com/.
Published by Roaring Brook Press on July 28, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.
June 30, 2016
Quinlan has a huge imagination, and I loved his whimsical world of Weathermen and bog beasts. He has a talent for metaphors--many times I had to pause and appreciate the aptness of one of his phrases and wish I had thought if it for myself. He also has a good instinct for character arcs.
That being said, this is his first novel, and I wasn't super impressed with the pacing. I also felt like I didn't quite get to know the secondary characters as well as I would have liked to. For instance, Mom and Dad (the Weatherman) seemed to have only a handful of character traits, and all I could picture them as were two vague, faceless, adult-shaped people.
The book is aimed for younger readers, however, and I think that they would enjoy the story without getting caught up in the writing style itself, with which I have only a few qualms. I'd definitely recommend this book a middle-grade reader: it's an imaginative and fun story, an easy read, and Liz & Neil are great examples of courage, selflessness, and smashing gender roles.
That being said, this is his first novel, and I wasn't super impressed with the pacing. I also felt like I didn't quite get to know the secondary characters as well as I would have liked to. For instance, Mom and Dad (the Weatherman) seemed to have only a handful of character traits, and all I could picture them as were two vague, faceless, adult-shaped people.
The book is aimed for younger readers, however, and I think that they would enjoy the story without getting caught up in the writing style itself, with which I have only a few qualms. I'd definitely recommend this book a middle-grade reader: it's an imaginative and fun story, an easy read, and Liz & Neil are great examples of courage, selflessness, and smashing gender roles.
April 26, 2021
My son enjoyed this book. He discovered it on a recent summer "library-run," where we comb the shelves for interesting covers. My kiddos sometimes pick up books I would never think are their "thing," and this is one of them.
The cover is reminiscent of Dr. Who, which my son is not familiar with, but was the first thing that came to my mine. Indeed the story features a magical weather box, but it's a portal through which magic flows, not a time machine.
The MC and his family are guardians of the box, until a corporate raiding-style takeover of the secret society they serve takes place, and suddenly, the box's "connection" -- literally, the phone line -- has been disconnected. What happens next is action packed, and takes some neat plot twists and turns along the way.
He really enjoyed this read!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
The cover is reminiscent of Dr. Who, which my son is not familiar with, but was the first thing that came to my mine. Indeed the story features a magical weather box, but it's a portal through which magic flows, not a time machine.
The MC and his family are guardians of the box, until a corporate raiding-style takeover of the secret society they serve takes place, and suddenly, the box's "connection" -- literally, the phone line -- has been disconnected. What happens next is action packed, and takes some neat plot twists and turns along the way.
He really enjoyed this read!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Read
June 9, 2016Neil and Liz Maloney's father is the Weatherman; he has been given the extremely important responsibility of ushering in each new season and sending away the old one. As next in line to become the Weatherman, Neil learns how to answer the call coming from the magical phone booth four times a year. But the new season--and the entire world--is in jeopardy when the phone doesn't ring at the end of summer, and Mrs. Fitzgerald from next door seems to be responsible. Neil, Liz, their parents, and a mysterious visitor (with the help of the shieldsmen and a kitten-shaped bog beast) must fight against the evil forces that seek to control the weather.
Fans of Doctor Who may be drawn in the by the phone box on the cover, but this story is more fantasy/adventure than science fiction. While this isn't the most riveting story, it is an enjoyable read will hold readers' attention.
Fans of Doctor Who may be drawn in the by the phone box on the cover, but this story is more fantasy/adventure than science fiction. While this isn't the most riveting story, it is an enjoyable read will hold readers' attention.
October 17, 2015
Mr. Maloney has a special job. He is in charge of allowing the seasons to change. He does this by answering a phone in a 'weatherbox' phone booth. One day his son should inherit the job. Except, one day the phone does not ring. Summer gets stuck and Autumn can't start. The Maloney's quickly discover that their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald wants the job of weatherman and is on a quest to end their reign and begin her own.
This story is fairly fast paced and has elements of magic, suspense, and weather. It is rather interesting, however, for some reason I kept getting distracted by other books and it took me a long time to get through this one. The narrative flips between a brother and a sister making is good for both boys and girls.
Good for ages 11 and up.
This story is fairly fast paced and has elements of magic, suspense, and weather. It is rather interesting, however, for some reason I kept getting distracted by other books and it took me a long time to get through this one. The narrative flips between a brother and a sister making is good for both boys and girls.
Good for ages 11 and up.
June 17, 2017
Weathermen and Shieldsmen. Mages and elementals. Hags and Bog-beasts. In this charming debut by Nigel Quinlan, two of the Maloney siblings (Neil and Liz) give an account of the crazy happenings during what could have become the last summer. Seasons in havoc, mad storms, and strange visitors kept me leaping from one chapter to the next. Neil is quite likable. Liz made me smile. And I shall ever and always adore "The Tourist." May more of us embrace Ed's perspectives on the magic of life!
Quinlan's writing style is that happy balance of quick pacing and rich imagery. I can't wait to see what else he has in store. Recommended!
Quinlan's writing style is that happy balance of quick pacing and rich imagery. I can't wait to see what else he has in store. Recommended!
July 20, 2015
This book was about a family whose father was the Weatherman. It was his job to bring in the seasons through a magical phone booth. The problem was another women - a witch wanted the job for herself and had been working for years plotting how to do it. It is up to the kids in the family - Neil, Ed, and Liz to stop her and keep the seasons turning like they were supposed to.
This one just didn't work for me. I can't really put a finger on the why - too weird, skipping back and forth between characters, or just didn't really like the concept. Whatever the reason - nope.
This one just didn't work for me. I can't really put a finger on the why - too weird, skipping back and forth between characters, or just didn't really like the concept. Whatever the reason - nope.
October 13, 2015
Wonderfully creative and filled with characters both delightful and despicable, this book will be a real treat for older middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy and alternative explanations for our world. The point of view alternates between two siblings as a tale about seasonal change and attempts to hijack the weather are explained. This will be especially enjoyable to children with some knowledge of actual weather conditions. I received my copy from NetGalley.
January 2, 2016
The Weatherman brings in the seasons. Neil and Liz's father is the Weatherman. This is the tale of how it all goes wrong and is set right again.
Alternating chapters in first person voice from Neil and Liz. Best to make sure you check the beginning of each chapter for who is speaking.
It is a bit of a weird story. Lots of craziness develops and there are several seemingly random characters added to the mix. Interesting but not the best kids's book I have read recently.
Alternating chapters in first person voice from Neil and Liz. Best to make sure you check the beginning of each chapter for who is speaking.
It is a bit of a weird story. Lots of craziness develops and there are several seemingly random characters added to the mix. Interesting but not the best kids's book I have read recently.
June 21, 2016
What a fun notion that a family controls the seasons by simply answering a phone four times a year and then the season changes. One eventful day the phone does not ring so that summer can leave and fall can start. Neil and Liz Maloney are interesting notion that students will enjoy. The adventures the kids have as they try to discover the secret to weather will keep the kids reading. This is Mr. Quinlans first novel and I am looking forward to his next effort.
October 28, 2015
I had to read this book for a children's lit class and I will agree with what others have said about the beginning of the book being rough. But I also think the author does a great job of keeping the reader entertained and along questions without frustrating then with too many questions that don't get answered. It's really a fun little world that he created and I can see my students loving this.
November 16, 2015
Great characters, a fun and unique idea, lots of page-turning action and plenty of laughs. What's not to love? I was hooked right away and couldn't stop turning the pages. I thought the changing perspectives worked really well; I loved the way the story was driven forward using different viewpoints. A well written and well thought out book that will appeal to boys and girls aged 9+.
August 8, 2015
This is a new, first novel that kept me reading with a fast pace story. Great for the Juvenile reader, girl or boy. Lots of action and fantasy about a Weatherbox and the family in charge of the changing weather.
Want to read
April 15, 2015Note: I received an ARC from the publisher.
May 10, 2015
Best read in long time and I will never look at weather like I used today as I always will wonder if the Weatherman is OK
November 1, 2015
I marvel at the imagination of the author. And at his ability to tie together the story. Just loved it.
June 2, 2016
Not my genre, I really struggled reading this with my kids. I stuck with it though and certainly it picked up pace in the end. It was definitely more unpredictable than I initially anticipated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews