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The Shop at Hoopers Bend
From one of Australia's most renowned children's authors, this is a story about coming home when you didn't even know that was where you belonged.
When Quil Medway gets on the train, she thinks she knows where and how her journey will end. At camp. With another school holiday spent surrounded by people, but feeling alone.
Quil doesn't know how wrong she is. She doesn't know anything about the shop at Hoopers Bend. Or a bitter, prickly woman called Bailey. Or a littleblack and white dog who at this very moment is chewing through a rope so he'll be free to answer a call that only he can hear.
She doesn't know about the magic.
But it won't be long now ...
From one of Australia's most renowned children's authors, this is a story about coming home when you didn't even know that was where you belonged.
Ages: 9+
When Quil Medway gets on the train, she thinks she knows where and how her journey will end. At camp. With another school holiday spent surrounded by people, but feeling alone.
Quil doesn't know how wrong she is. She doesn't know anything about the shop at Hoopers Bend. Or a bitter, prickly woman called Bailey. Or a littleblack and white dog who at this very moment is chewing through a rope so he'll be free to answer a call that only he can hear.
She doesn't know about the magic.
But it won't be long now ...
From one of Australia's most renowned children's authors, this is a story about coming home when you didn't even know that was where you belonged.
Ages: 9+
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2017
31 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
301 books2,127 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 18, 2018
The Shop at Hooper’s Bend might have been written by one of the quintessential Australian women authors of the 60’s and 70’s. The author, Emily Rodda may even have drawn inspiration from her childhood reading. Today, she is a prolific and highly respected Award-winning children’s author across several genres. This novel is a departure from the genre of the author’s well-known Deltora Quest series set firmly in a real world, however it is not without its own magic or serendipitous fatalism. While a gentle exploration of a childhood both lonely but filled with imagination and keen observation the storyline also contains an intricate puzzle connecting the characters and plot on several levels and exploring the themes of change, diversity and inclusion. By no means out of context for overseas readers, the old country general store with attached residence setting is familiarly Australian and the descriptions full of strong clues to the national identity. “Quil saw a quaint old cream and green gas stove, a round shouldered fridge, a wooden kitchen table and painted shelves stacked with saucepans and blue striped plates and bowls.” (Rodda, 2017 p.29)
The eleven-year-old protagonist, Quil – short for Jonquil - a self-contained orphan, takes charge of her own destiny one summer in an almost pre-ordained set of circumstances which begins with finding a mug with her own, unusual name in a chance encounter at a market. Quil is a strong female character and the book has more to its credit in Bailey, the shop owner, also classified as a Palaris in Quil’s carefully thought out stardust personality theory. Best suited to readers of ten and up; the introspective tone together with the themes and the female protagonist will probably be appreciated more by girls than boys, even though the plot is not without drama, mystery or action.
Published in 2017, Sue Warren states in her review on the HarperCollins Teachers’ hub (https://harpercollinsteachinghub.com/...) that “this is likely to be a title of note in the next twelve months”. I can only concur and will be watching for it on the Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlist due for release in March.
The eleven-year-old protagonist, Quil – short for Jonquil - a self-contained orphan, takes charge of her own destiny one summer in an almost pre-ordained set of circumstances which begins with finding a mug with her own, unusual name in a chance encounter at a market. Quil is a strong female character and the book has more to its credit in Bailey, the shop owner, also classified as a Palaris in Quil’s carefully thought out stardust personality theory. Best suited to readers of ten and up; the introspective tone together with the themes and the female protagonist will probably be appreciated more by girls than boys, even though the plot is not without drama, mystery or action.
Published in 2017, Sue Warren states in her review on the HarperCollins Teachers’ hub (https://harpercollinsteachinghub.com/...) that “this is likely to be a title of note in the next twelve months”. I can only concur and will be watching for it on the Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlist due for release in March.
October 15, 2017
Review can also be found on my blog at www.littlebigreads.com
If you have had a child that reads chapter books then you have probably heard of the author Emily Rodda and her popular Deltora series. While I am familiar with her popularity I had not read any of Rodda’s books until recently when I was given the privilege of reading her newest book The Shop at Hoopers Bend.
For me a good book involves being totally lost in a story and it never matters to me whether it is a book for children or an adult. I got lost in this beautiful story of Quil, Bailey and the other interesting characters that live in Hoopers Bend. The book begins with Quil finding a china mug with her unusual and not so popular name written on it. This find sees her going from uncertainty to finding a place that feels like home, that has more of a connection to herself than she realises. A place where Bailey (also referred to as the the prickly women) finds herself again and discovers a new sense of self; and pirate the dog who helps this girl and woman with his ability to sense good from bad.
As you progress through the book you get a real sense of Hoopers Bend, which could be any little town in Australia. A place where everyone knows each other, a sense of community, and a place where opinions are made regardless of whether its true or not. Each character is purposeful to the story, but it is Quin and Bailey who were written about in such a way that you felt like you knew them and they could have easily been your neighbour.
I didn’t feel Quil’s stardust theory and names she had for people fit with the story. This may have been more about me not understanding its purpose and I suspect if I had read some of Rodda’s other books I may have had a different opinion on this. Essentially, I do not feel that it suited Quil’s personality, but was used more so as a link to her parents.
I have seen reviews saying that Rodda is a master storyteller and I have to agree. There was something about this story that had me not wanting to put it down and I only did so because I had to work and sleep…I recommend this chapter book for 9 years and above.
If you have had a child that reads chapter books then you have probably heard of the author Emily Rodda and her popular Deltora series. While I am familiar with her popularity I had not read any of Rodda’s books until recently when I was given the privilege of reading her newest book The Shop at Hoopers Bend.
For me a good book involves being totally lost in a story and it never matters to me whether it is a book for children or an adult. I got lost in this beautiful story of Quil, Bailey and the other interesting characters that live in Hoopers Bend. The book begins with Quil finding a china mug with her unusual and not so popular name written on it. This find sees her going from uncertainty to finding a place that feels like home, that has more of a connection to herself than she realises. A place where Bailey (also referred to as the the prickly women) finds herself again and discovers a new sense of self; and pirate the dog who helps this girl and woman with his ability to sense good from bad.
As you progress through the book you get a real sense of Hoopers Bend, which could be any little town in Australia. A place where everyone knows each other, a sense of community, and a place where opinions are made regardless of whether its true or not. Each character is purposeful to the story, but it is Quin and Bailey who were written about in such a way that you felt like you knew them and they could have easily been your neighbour.
I didn’t feel Quil’s stardust theory and names she had for people fit with the story. This may have been more about me not understanding its purpose and I suspect if I had read some of Rodda’s other books I may have had a different opinion on this. Essentially, I do not feel that it suited Quil’s personality, but was used more so as a link to her parents.
I have seen reviews saying that Rodda is a master storyteller and I have to agree. There was something about this story that had me not wanting to put it down and I only did so because I had to work and sleep…I recommend this chapter book for 9 years and above.
August 6, 2017
A really cosy read. One where coincidences (or fate!) stack up on each other in a very entertaining way.
August 14, 2023
Quil is an orphan. Her life at school is difficult because she has an unusual name. During the school holidays, she often finds her aunt is going away on a business trip. This holiday Auntie Pam is sending her to a camp. She is dropped off with her most prized possession. A mug with her name, 'Jonquil' on it. It's from the 'Hoopers Bend Gallery.'
She is alone a lot but Quil doesn't mind. She's used to it and plays a game with herself. She names people she meets by the distant stars that have disintegrated centuries ago. The star dust is in everyone and Quil has made up names for each type of person according to the names of the stars she's made up. Quil believes in the magic of the stardust.
On the train, lights flash in her eyes. Quil looks out at a station sign which says 'Hoopers Bend'. She decides to get off. There is no 'Hoopers Bend Gallery' that she can find. However, a lovely little small dog nearly gets run over. Quil helps him and sits on the step of the cottage beside the road.
A car drives in and parks behind the house. The lady who gets out of the car falls over and hurts her knee. Quill helps her up. They go inside the house. Immediately Quill feels at ease. Something magical is happening. She's never felt at home anywhere. Somehow she wants to stay.
The house has woken up and it's casting a spell over Quill and Bailey, the lady who owns the house. Bailey had been left the cottage by her uncle Frank. The people in the town are quite brisk with her. She doesn't know why. Bailey must recover before she can return to the city.
The friendship Quill and Bailey share is uncanny. They understand each other. When they want to be left alone, and when they don't. Together they enjoy the stars coming out each night.
The house has secrets that are discovered, about Uncle Frank, his Will, and who his family is. Bailey is as surprised as Quill is when they learn how their interwoven lives.
I love this book.
I love it so much that I've decided Emily Rodda is now my favourite author of all time, other than Anne McCaffrey. Both write fantasy/science fiction.
This book has left me with a smile in my heart. Just as all books should, there is a memory that stays with the reader.
She is alone a lot but Quil doesn't mind. She's used to it and plays a game with herself. She names people she meets by the distant stars that have disintegrated centuries ago. The star dust is in everyone and Quil has made up names for each type of person according to the names of the stars she's made up. Quil believes in the magic of the stardust.
On the train, lights flash in her eyes. Quil looks out at a station sign which says 'Hoopers Bend'. She decides to get off. There is no 'Hoopers Bend Gallery' that she can find. However, a lovely little small dog nearly gets run over. Quil helps him and sits on the step of the cottage beside the road.
A car drives in and parks behind the house. The lady who gets out of the car falls over and hurts her knee. Quill helps her up. They go inside the house. Immediately Quill feels at ease. Something magical is happening. She's never felt at home anywhere. Somehow she wants to stay.
The house has woken up and it's casting a spell over Quill and Bailey, the lady who owns the house. Bailey had been left the cottage by her uncle Frank. The people in the town are quite brisk with her. She doesn't know why. Bailey must recover before she can return to the city.
The friendship Quill and Bailey share is uncanny. They understand each other. When they want to be left alone, and when they don't. Together they enjoy the stars coming out each night.
The house has secrets that are discovered, about Uncle Frank, his Will, and who his family is. Bailey is as surprised as Quill is when they learn how their interwoven lives.
I love this book.
I love it so much that I've decided Emily Rodda is now my favourite author of all time, other than Anne McCaffrey. Both write fantasy/science fiction.
This book has left me with a smile in my heart. Just as all books should, there is a memory that stays with the reader.
March 20, 2018
Emily Rodda has a winner on her hands with book. This is a return to her earlier stories with a contemporary setting in familiar surroundings.
Four strange and seemingly disconnected events happen at exactly the same time to bring Jonquil, Bailey and a small black and white dog together. Each of these characters is looking for something and feels a connection to the dilapidated shop at Hoopers Bend.
Lies, half truths, and criminal behaviour find their place in this story. Jonquil, Quil to everyone, lives with her high flying aunt and is bundled off to boarding school and camp as her aunt doesn’t have time for her. Her parents died when she was four and she knows very little about them. On her way to camp she gets off the train at Hoopers Bend after feeling compelled to do so.
Bailey inherited the shop from her uncle, but has never found the time to go and see it because of her work. She is ‘let go’ at work and on a whim drives up to the shop to decide what she wants to do with it.
These two people and the dog come together and revitalise the shop, find a home and solve some mysteries of the past and present. For both Quil and Bailey the journey is a coming home in spirit and in truth.
This is a wonderful story and is a great read aloud.
Four strange and seemingly disconnected events happen at exactly the same time to bring Jonquil, Bailey and a small black and white dog together. Each of these characters is looking for something and feels a connection to the dilapidated shop at Hoopers Bend.
Lies, half truths, and criminal behaviour find their place in this story. Jonquil, Quil to everyone, lives with her high flying aunt and is bundled off to boarding school and camp as her aunt doesn’t have time for her. Her parents died when she was four and she knows very little about them. On her way to camp she gets off the train at Hoopers Bend after feeling compelled to do so.
Bailey inherited the shop from her uncle, but has never found the time to go and see it because of her work. She is ‘let go’ at work and on a whim drives up to the shop to decide what she wants to do with it.
These two people and the dog come together and revitalise the shop, find a home and solve some mysteries of the past and present. For both Quil and Bailey the journey is a coming home in spirit and in truth.
This is a wonderful story and is a great read aloud.
April 12, 2020
4.5 star review!
I've been reading Emily Rodda books a long time, she was the person who got me into reading to begin with!! I always have faith I'll enjoy every one of her books and this was no exception. Of course, being so familiar with her work, I definitely notice similar plotlines.
The Shop at Hoopers Bend was enchanting and honestly, that's the only word I have for it. Reading it was like a breath of fresh air. I loved the characters, the atmosphere and the story. I've found that these are always my favourite parts of Roddas works. I couldn't help but notice my own deja vu with the story however, very similar to The Ghost of Raven Hill of the Teen Power series. Now this isn't to say this book wasn't it's own, the characters twisted the story into it's own tale, but the nostalgia of the similarities hit me like a truck. I LOVE the Teen Power series, and while this book is definitely a way to revisit it, it's also an individual and really feels like a dream. Definitely a new favourite!
I've been reading Emily Rodda books a long time, she was the person who got me into reading to begin with!! I always have faith I'll enjoy every one of her books and this was no exception. Of course, being so familiar with her work, I definitely notice similar plotlines.
The Shop at Hoopers Bend was enchanting and honestly, that's the only word I have for it. Reading it was like a breath of fresh air. I loved the characters, the atmosphere and the story. I've found that these are always my favourite parts of Roddas works. I couldn't help but notice my own deja vu with the story however, very similar to The Ghost of Raven Hill of the Teen Power series. Now this isn't to say this book wasn't it's own, the characters twisted the story into it's own tale, but the nostalgia of the similarities hit me like a truck. I LOVE the Teen Power series, and while this book is definitely a way to revisit it, it's also an individual and really feels like a dream. Definitely a new favourite!
August 1, 2017
You will need to suspend some disbelief in reading this as this is a book about many coincidences and interweaving stories. There is a sense of magic woven through this story of a girl, a shop, a dog and a lonely middle aged woman and how their stories interconnect. Quil is an 11 year orphan who is a deep thinker who looks at people through the lens of imaginary stardust. The discovery of a mug with her name on it, and a little dog she names Pirate, sets her on a path of adventures that brings her to a disused shop at Hoopers Bend. At the same time, the shop’s owner Bailey returns to the shop which seemingly comes to life with the pair’s arrival. Full of interesting local characters and a series of misadventures and misunderstandings this is a story about reconnecting with the past. This is an example of very fine writing from Emily Rodda and will appeal to children who enjoy contemporary stories with a touch of magic and lots of surprises.
October 9, 2018
When I was younger I picked up and tried reading Deltona quest and I instantly did not like it but recently I read the three doors trilogy by Emily Rodda and I loved it and since my sister kept nagging me about how amazing Emily Rodda's books were. I was like why not and started reading this book. I put all my barriers up because this book was not one of my tastes but they instantly came down when the MC found a mug with her name on it (she has a weird name and has never ever found something with her name on it before) Raise your hand if you could never find anything with your name on it *raises both hands as high up in the air as possible*
So I instantly started liking it. True this isn't a type of book I would usually read but I liked it no less. This isn't a type of nail-biting book where you would have no nail left to bite at the end but was a comfortable book you would read in a comfy chair by the fire staring at the twinkly stars floating in the night sky and just relax.
So I instantly started liking it. True this isn't a type of book I would usually read but I liked it no less. This isn't a type of nail-biting book where you would have no nail left to bite at the end but was a comfortable book you would read in a comfy chair by the fire staring at the twinkly stars floating in the night sky and just relax.
February 19, 2019
This book detours from Rodda's usual fantasy plots and instead focuses on a girl, a shop, and finding a home. This book is so warm and inviting, everything about it- the setting, the characters, the slowly winding plot that ties together in the end in a neat, little bow- all of it drew me in like a familiar hug.
Emily Rodda is such a staple of my childhood, that even though this is a book I'd never read until now, it made me nostalgic. I recognise that this could be an entirely personal thing, but this book, for me at least, perfectly captures that magic and wonder you see everywhere when you're a kid. That desperate yearning for some swing of destiny to throw you into some adventure that's just waiting for you to take it, even if it is just to discover a little shop on a mountain street called Hoopers Bend.
Emily Rodda is such a staple of my childhood, that even though this is a book I'd never read until now, it made me nostalgic. I recognise that this could be an entirely personal thing, but this book, for me at least, perfectly captures that magic and wonder you see everywhere when you're a kid. That desperate yearning for some swing of destiny to throw you into some adventure that's just waiting for you to take it, even if it is just to discover a little shop on a mountain street called Hoopers Bend.
February 18, 2024
This book is proof that I do not know as much about Emily Rodda's work as I pretend to do because I didn't know this existed until I found this at a local street library. Which is fitting.
This was just a nice read. I liked the characters and how the mystery unfolded. Although, in the middle there was a bit where to me things got a bit boring before things picked up again and got more serious.
This also is by definition a magical realism book. However, compared to the other books that are classified as magical realism that Iv'e read, this I think was more subtle. And a few times that did bend but thankfully not break my suspension of willing disbelief.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2024 prompt #35: A book with magical realism.
This was just a nice read. I liked the characters and how the mystery unfolded. Although, in the middle there was a bit where to me things got a bit boring before things picked up again and got more serious.
This also is by definition a magical realism book. However, compared to the other books that are classified as magical realism that Iv'e read, this I think was more subtle. And a few times that did bend but thankfully not break my suspension of willing disbelief.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2024 prompt #35: A book with magical realism.
October 22, 2017
Everyone needs a place to call home. The Shop at Hoopers Bend is about a finding that home, and sometimes that home finding you. There is a touch of stardust sprinkled throughout this story, but I would not classify this as fantasy. The characters that Rodda has created are real, with real sorrow and longing in their hearts. I have to say that I was totally entranced by this book. There are so many books written now for younger readers that deal with the harsh realities of our world. This novel doesn’t skate around these issues, but handles them with a gentle touch.
I highly recommend this book for middle primary + readers.
I highly recommend this book for middle primary + readers.
May 27, 2018
The story begins with three threads. Quil is on her way to a holiday camp while her aunt is busy working, but she decides to get off the train at Hoopers Bend. A dog escapes the rope which ties it in a yard and ends up outside the shop in Hoopers Bend and a prickly woman named Bailey returns to Hoopers Bend to tie up family loose ends. Their worlds collide and together they unravel the past and create a new future in the shop at Hoppers Bend. When home finds you it can be a kind of magic. There are plenty of twists and action in this lovely story. Great characters both main and supporting. It would make a great movie.
July 3, 2018
Emily Rodda at her best - original, stand alone stories that capture a world where coincidence and serendipity interweave seamlessly. Young Quil, orphaned and on her way to holiday camp, inexplicably gets off the train at Hoopers Bend and teams up with Bailey - an older lady, recently 'let go' from her job and at a loss with what to do with her life. Roddy builds tension effectively into this tale, with all elements nicely tied together as Quil's lies are laid to rest, her family history revealed, a lasting friendship cemented and the abandoned shop a new future that will see Quil coming back to Hoopers Bend every school holiday. A great read.
February 20, 2024
A delightfully engaging story with a strong tweenager girl character who goes AWOL. The girl and Pirate (the dog) are extremely well drawn characters and you feel deeply for all their trials and tribulations. The adult characters are a bit 2 dimensional, however, I think this might be intentional as it's told in the first person from the girl's perspective - most 11 year olds would consider adults to be pretty 2 dimensional.
The plot is well constructed and all loose ends tied up in a neat bow at the end. I found myself wishing I could have been so strong and brave at her age. Thoroughly recommended for any 9-10 year old girl - or someone just young at heart.
The plot is well constructed and all loose ends tied up in a neat bow at the end. I found myself wishing I could have been so strong and brave at her age. Thoroughly recommended for any 9-10 year old girl - or someone just young at heart.
August 27, 2017
Beautiful story about family and friends. What makes a family? How do we find the one place in the world that we feel safe?
Quil, Bailey and Pirate find each other at the Shop at Hoopers Bend. Each is drawn there by a feeling and they come together to form a tight little unit. They do what they can to protect each other and the Shop without really knowing anything about one another.
At it's heart, this is a book about love. It is about finding a home in the one place you least expect it. Another masterful tale from the wonderful Emily Rodda.
Quil, Bailey and Pirate find each other at the Shop at Hoopers Bend. Each is drawn there by a feeling and they come together to form a tight little unit. They do what they can to protect each other and the Shop without really knowing anything about one another.
At it's heart, this is a book about love. It is about finding a home in the one place you least expect it. Another masterful tale from the wonderful Emily Rodda.
April 8, 2020
A beautiful story of trying to find your place in the world and trying to fit in to this crazy world. When Quil impulsively jumps off the train and finds herself outside the little shop at hoopers bend she didn’t know the chain of events that she would set off. I haven’t read any other books by Emily Rodda although they are very popular in our school library but I loved this one and the ending was even better than I could of hoped for. This was an easy read and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages
April 30, 2018
I surprisingly really enjoyed this. The cover didn’t win me over and not usually an Emily Rodda fan.
But I loved the story of the girl who stumbled on the town and made herself at home with Ms Bailey.
Quil feels like she knows the place but can’t work out why -
The shop is rented out to different people every week and the story unfolds.
It turns out that Quil had actually lived in the house before her parents died.
So she did actually belong there.
Quite an emotional story
But I loved the story of the girl who stumbled on the town and made herself at home with Ms Bailey.
Quil feels like she knows the place but can’t work out why -
The shop is rented out to different people every week and the story unfolds.
It turns out that Quil had actually lived in the house before her parents died.
So she did actually belong there.
Quite an emotional story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2018
Great CBCA shortlisted book for 2018. The book is identified as being in the fantasy genre, so I was a little disappointed to find that it really didn't have much fantasy in it at all - apart from the house subtly giving the main character Quil messages and feelings. Notwithstanding that fact, it was a great read and an interesting story. Kids will enjoy it. Emily Rodda sure does know how to write an engaging story!
July 19, 2020
This was a lovely read about a girl who ends up following her whims and having an adventure at a enchanted shop at Hoopers Bend. With a sad past and feeling as if she has no place in the world, Quil soon feels very much at home at the little shop and makes friends with the owner, Bailey, who has coincidentally recently been drawn back to the place. With plenty of serendipity and a lot of heart, it is perfect for an upper middle grade audience (10+).
September 23, 2019
This is the book that started my Emily Rodda odyssey. It was a good intro into the fantastical world she creates as it was set in this one but with the glints of magic that shine in childhood imaginings. It had a very satisfying narrative arc and the characters felt believable. I enjoyed it so much that I have gone onto read a big chunk of her other works this year.
June 20, 2018
This was one of the sweetest, most beautifully written junior fiction novels I've read for a long time. It was intriguing, with plenty of twists and kept both myself and my nine year old daughter totally engrossed from start to finish.
November 8, 2018
It took a while for me to get into the novel and I was considering abandoning it. But it's Emily Rodda aka one of my favourite authors from my childhood.
It is a fairly simple story about the power of friendship and feeling comfortable with yourself.
It is a fairly simple story about the power of friendship and feeling comfortable with yourself.
March 13, 2020
I know this is not Emily's usual genre of writing and admittedly I haven't read any others, but I loved this story. The plot was good and I loved how it all tied up together in the end. A very lovely story
May 31, 2020
I really liked this story although it was mainly about an 11 year old girl it was still very relevant for adults. Very easy to read and extremely interesting with something happening all the time and how it all come together in the end was very good. A bonus being set in Australia.
October 29, 2017
Assume the coincidences in this book are the result of magic to experience a delightful story about a lonely recently retrenched woman and an even lonelier orphan.
February 12, 2018
Loved this! Great characters. Love how the strands of the story wound up in the end. Loved the Australian country setting. Heartwarming and fun.
March 13, 2018
An absolutely beautiful book, full of heart. It gripped me from the intriguing beginning to the deeply satisfying ending.
May 3, 2018
Lovely book, lonely kid, journeys alone, attracted to place, finds lonely older woman, bonds. Gentle book deals with serious topics great JFIC
May 5, 2018
Filled with interesting, complex characters, this is a lovely Australian story about family, friendship and serendipity.
July 2, 2018
Magical
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews