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The Very Last Castle: A Picture Book
A curious little girl watches the man who guards the last castle in town. Every time she passes by him, she tries to catch his eye. While the other townspeople fear what may be locked up inside the mysterious castle, the girl finally gets up the courage to knock on the door and find out what’s really behind the gate. A story about overcoming fear of the unknown, trying new things, and reaching out to make new friends, The Very Last Castle shows that bravery comes in packages both big and small.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
December 7, 2018
DAAAAAWWWWW!!!!! I love the gentle colors, the sweet story and the artwork. 5, sweet, yet also slightly sad, stars. A good story about reaching out and in.
November 20, 2018
What is making all those spooky sounds coming out of the Very Last Castle? Who will be brave enough to find out?
A little story about a girl who dares to find out what's going on, despite the worries of her neighbors. Lovely illustrations and a gentle story.
A little story about a girl who dares to find out what's going on, despite the worries of her neighbors. Lovely illustrations and a gentle story.
December 7, 2018
This book will get you thinking about what a little curiosity & kindness can do.
June 29, 2022
3.5 stars
June 21, 2021
One little girl doesn't believe the rumors of her family and others in her life about the very last castle...
Is it inhabited with snakes, monsters, giants?
When the little girl reaches out to ask the castle's only resident guard...well the answer is YES...but NOT in the way you think.
The book drives home the point of asking questions yourself instead of accepting the heresay or opinions of others. Told through the eyes of a curious child, this one little girl makes the VERY LAST CASTLE...a VERY important VERY LAST CASTLE.
Is it inhabited with snakes, monsters, giants?
When the little girl reaches out to ask the castle's only resident guard...well the answer is YES...but NOT in the way you think.
The book drives home the point of asking questions yourself instead of accepting the heresay or opinions of others. Told through the eyes of a curious child, this one little girl makes the VERY LAST CASTLE...a VERY important VERY LAST CASTLE.
September 13, 2018
One of my favorite 2018 picture books to read aloud to kids!
Check out my video book talk. https://youtu.be/QsDbmLcj-jw
Check out my video book talk. https://youtu.be/QsDbmLcj-jw
December 9, 2022
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: پیش به سوی قلعه
در ستایش کنجکاوی و شجاعت!
یکی از بامزگیهاش تاکید بر صداها و نوشتنشون بود که میتونه فرایند خوندن قصه برای بچهها رو جذاب کنه.
در ستایش کنجکاوی و شجاعت!
یکی از بامزگیهاش تاکید بر صداها و نوشتنشون بود که میتونه فرایند خوندن قصه برای بچهها رو جذاب کنه.
July 19, 2024
ایب یه دختر شجاع و کنجکاوه که بر خلاف بقیه ساده از کنار تنها قلعه ی باقی مونده ی شهر نمیگذره..
حتی با وجود شایعات ترسناکی که راجع به قلعه وجود داره یک روز ایب بالاخره قدم به داخل قلعه میذاره و اونجا متوجه میشه چیزی به جز زیبایی قلعه و مهربونی نگهبان قلعه در انتظارش نیست :))
گوگولی و بامزه بود!
برای بچه های ۳-۵سال مناسبه..
حتی با وجود شایعات ترسناکی که راجع به قلعه وجود داره یک روز ایب بالاخره قدم به داخل قلعه میذاره و اونجا متوجه میشه چیزی به جز زیبایی قلعه و مهربونی نگهبان قلعه در انتظارش نیست :))
گوگولی و بامزه بود!
برای بچه های ۳-۵سال مناسبه..
October 12, 2018
So what do you do when someone you're kinda friends with writes a terrible book, and you don't know how to tell them? You just smile and say "FIVE STARS!"
I'm just kidding. This one really is terrific. It's a great read aloud, and would pair really well with The Wall in the Middle of the Book.
ps. I really liked the ginormous apples!
I'm just kidding. This one really is terrific. It's a great read aloud, and would pair really well with The Wall in the Middle of the Book.
ps. I really liked the ginormous apples!
June 16, 2022
In a modern town is an old-timey castle. No one ever goes in. No one ever comes out. Until one brave girl knocks on the door.
Not as fantastical as I hoped. The explantion for the castle is vague and uninteresting.
Not as fantastical as I hoped. The explantion for the castle is vague and uninteresting.
October 16, 2018
4.5.
5 stars for the art, 4 stars for the story. Recommended.
5 stars for the art, 4 stars for the story. Recommended.
Read
June 24, 2019Give the unknown a chance. That’s the lesson Ibb and the guard teach us.
February 25, 2019
I read this book to a grade one class who were very intrigued. They couldn't wait to find out what was in the castle.
October 24, 2018
Predictable but pleasant. Nice to have a POC protagonist.
August 6, 2018
Book Excursion ARC Review| Book Releases October 9th, 2018
There are instances when curiosity requires bravery. Considering that the townspeople thought the lone castle in the center of town held monsters, giants, and snakes, Ibb should have been incredibly frightened. While everyone else thought there was something terrible inside, Ibb thought, "maybe it's something else." When she is summoned to the castle, she gets the chance to find out just who or what is inside. Until that very moment, no one had ever tried to go in.
The townspeople's fears had caused their imaginations to run wild and as a result, they'd never had the pleasure of meeting the seemingly recluse castle dweller. His name was William. His was the very last castle. He was hoping to have someone brave enough to take his place one day. Someone just like Ibb, who just so happened to have a great idea of her own.
Ibb knew what it meant to have the love and care of family and friends and she was compassionate enough to care whether or not someone else got the chance to experience this feeling too. She proved herself to be just as brave as William had hoped AND thoughtful too.
As we begin another school year and consider the lessons we want to teach and the ways we want our school community to grow not just in knowledge but in character, this is the sort of book you'll want to read with your students. Ibb is a good example of what it means to be kind to someone you don't even know. She could have chosen to follow the majority and let her fears get the best of her but she chose kindness and that was very brave indeed.
There are instances when curiosity requires bravery. Considering that the townspeople thought the lone castle in the center of town held monsters, giants, and snakes, Ibb should have been incredibly frightened. While everyone else thought there was something terrible inside, Ibb thought, "maybe it's something else." When she is summoned to the castle, she gets the chance to find out just who or what is inside. Until that very moment, no one had ever tried to go in.
The townspeople's fears had caused their imaginations to run wild and as a result, they'd never had the pleasure of meeting the seemingly recluse castle dweller. His name was William. His was the very last castle. He was hoping to have someone brave enough to take his place one day. Someone just like Ibb, who just so happened to have a great idea of her own.
Ibb knew what it meant to have the love and care of family and friends and she was compassionate enough to care whether or not someone else got the chance to experience this feeling too. She proved herself to be just as brave as William had hoped AND thoughtful too.
As we begin another school year and consider the lessons we want to teach and the ways we want our school community to grow not just in knowledge but in character, this is the sort of book you'll want to read with your students. Ibb is a good example of what it means to be kind to someone you don't even know. She could have chosen to follow the majority and let her fears get the best of her but she chose kindness and that was very brave indeed.
September 12, 2019
Reviewed for School Library Journal, 10/1/18.
PreS-Gr 2–There is only one castle left in the world and it stands in the middle of a small town with a lone guard in its watchtower. Nobody comes out of this imposing structure and nobody goes in. Enter Ibb, an adventurous young girl with a healthy dose of curiosity. When she asks what lives behind the walls, she gets a variety of frightening theories. Her teacher believes monsters reside there, a friend opines it must be giants, while her grandfather insists on snakes. Ibb entertains these fantastical thoughts (and the illustrations do them justice) but she maintains a sense of optimism that it "could be something else." With mounting tension, Ibb knocks on the castle door and then runs away in terror. Shortly thereafter, the girl receives an invitation to visit the castle. Readers soon learn that while monsters and giants do live there, things are not quite as they were envisioned by the townsfolk. Instead, there is a delightful garden with topiaries shaped like dragons and a garden bursting with good things to eat. In the end, Ibb convinces the guard to venture out and share the fruits of his labor. Appealing illustrations done in pen-and-ink and watercolor round out this stellar read-aloud and add to its subtle humor. VERDICT: This debut picture book deserves a place in most collections. Strongly recommended for purchase.
PreS-Gr 2–There is only one castle left in the world and it stands in the middle of a small town with a lone guard in its watchtower. Nobody comes out of this imposing structure and nobody goes in. Enter Ibb, an adventurous young girl with a healthy dose of curiosity. When she asks what lives behind the walls, she gets a variety of frightening theories. Her teacher believes monsters reside there, a friend opines it must be giants, while her grandfather insists on snakes. Ibb entertains these fantastical thoughts (and the illustrations do them justice) but she maintains a sense of optimism that it "could be something else." With mounting tension, Ibb knocks on the castle door and then runs away in terror. Shortly thereafter, the girl receives an invitation to visit the castle. Readers soon learn that while monsters and giants do live there, things are not quite as they were envisioned by the townsfolk. Instead, there is a delightful garden with topiaries shaped like dragons and a garden bursting with good things to eat. In the end, Ibb convinces the guard to venture out and share the fruits of his labor. Appealing illustrations done in pen-and-ink and watercolor round out this stellar read-aloud and add to its subtle humor. VERDICT: This debut picture book deserves a place in most collections. Strongly recommended for purchase.
October 17, 2018
Super sweet story about a girl who wonders what's behind the gate of the last castle, until one day she decides to knock. She gets scared away before anyone answer, but then an invitation arrives in the mail... I think this would go well in a preschool storytime.
December 30, 2018
I can't wait to share this book in the fall with my students!
September 19, 2018
'The Very Last Castle' by Travis Jonker, pictures by Mark Pett, has a Willy Wonka feel to it. The book centers on the very last castle that stands in the middle of a small town. No one ever comes out of it, and no one ever goes in, yet a man stands guard, bringing a decent amount of curiosity to interested passersby. Yet one little girl named Ibb is the only one who truly begins to question the castle and the mystery that surrounds its walls. Everybody speculates as to what is inside, as people are wont to do when they don't know about or understanding something well. Everybody would much rather think the worst than learn what truly is going on and how they might be able to take part in learning more.
When Ibb decides to enter the castle's walls and discover the truth, she finds that perception is an interesting thing. The guard is taking care of the castle, making sure it is treated well, and Ibb, despite being a little girl who probably should not wander off on her own into mostly abandoned castles, finds that the truth she was looking for has led her into an unexpected friendship with the guard. As she joins him in exploring the castle grounds, he reveals his wish for the castle, and Ibb helps him see that it is possible in ways he had never considered.
A sweet story that is made even better through the themes of friendship, curiosity, and truth, 'The Very Last Castle' is a lovely tale with colorful illustrations that only enhance the storytelling.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
When Ibb decides to enter the castle's walls and discover the truth, she finds that perception is an interesting thing. The guard is taking care of the castle, making sure it is treated well, and Ibb, despite being a little girl who probably should not wander off on her own into mostly abandoned castles, finds that the truth she was looking for has led her into an unexpected friendship with the guard. As she joins him in exploring the castle grounds, he reveals his wish for the castle, and Ibb helps him see that it is possible in ways he had never considered.
A sweet story that is made even better through the themes of friendship, curiosity, and truth, 'The Very Last Castle' is a lovely tale with colorful illustrations that only enhance the storytelling.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
November 27, 2018
The very last castle stands in the middle of a small town. No one ever goes into the castle and no one ever comes out. A single guard looks out from the tower. The townspeople can hear noises coming from the castle. Some think it might be monsters, others think it could be giants or snakes. Ibb is a girl who lives in the town and thinks about the castle a lot. One day, she gathers her courage and knocks on the huge castle door, but no one answers and she hears a terrible hiss. Soon afterward, Ibb gets an invitation to appear at the castle gate on Sunday. Ibb goes to the castle and is let inside where she discovers the source of the noises and forms a new connection with the man who lives there.
Jonker’s first picture book is impressive. He uses a traditional picture book tone here built on wonder and curiosity. The incorporation of the various noises that emanate from the castle is a very nice touch, making the book all the more fun to share aloud. His writing is focused and tight and the story can be read both as a straightforward tale but also as an allegory for the walls we build in our lives.
Pett creates a winning young heroine for readers, someone who firmly roots this book in the modern age with her backpack and school days. The juxtaposition between the ancient castle and the young girl works particularly well. The art is playful and the reveal of the interior of the castle is worth the suspense.
A picture book worth exploring. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Jonker’s first picture book is impressive. He uses a traditional picture book tone here built on wonder and curiosity. The incorporation of the various noises that emanate from the castle is a very nice touch, making the book all the more fun to share aloud. His writing is focused and tight and the story can be read both as a straightforward tale but also as an allegory for the walls we build in our lives.
Pett creates a winning young heroine for readers, someone who firmly roots this book in the modern age with her backpack and school days. The juxtaposition between the ancient castle and the young girl works particularly well. The art is playful and the reveal of the interior of the castle is worth the suspense.
A picture book worth exploring. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
December 6, 2018
There is a castle in the middle of the town that no one has ever been in! Everyone has a different idea of what might be inside, but no one has ever bothered to investigate the mystery. Until Ibb that is! Ibb wants to know what lies within. Courageously she rows across the mote and knocks on the door, only to hear intimidating hisses. Is her grandfather right? Are there snakes inside the castle? The very next day she receives an invitation to visit the castle and come inside. She meets the castle guardian who reveals that he needs someone brave to take his place, he is the last person left in the castle. Ibb agrees, on condition that he open the gates to the town and that he make visits to the town as well.
This is a clever book about a clever and brave little girl who ventures through thick walls that have kept people isolated for years. The message hidden within the story is quite obvious--don't believe of rumors or ignorance and challenge traditions that we take for granted. And definitely don't wall yourself in or other people out! The story also contains a great message about old people being left out. The illustrations are comic-like and keep these themes from weighing the story down. It remains light-hearted in a way that makes the reader feel that they are exploring a new idea and not being beat on the helmet. This is a great book for any library with a message that can be read and shared again and again.
This is a clever book about a clever and brave little girl who ventures through thick walls that have kept people isolated for years. The message hidden within the story is quite obvious--don't believe of rumors or ignorance and challenge traditions that we take for granted. And definitely don't wall yourself in or other people out! The story also contains a great message about old people being left out. The illustrations are comic-like and keep these themes from weighing the story down. It remains light-hearted in a way that makes the reader feel that they are exploring a new idea and not being beat on the helmet. This is a great book for any library with a message that can be read and shared again and again.
November 5, 2018
The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams, 2018. $17.00. 9781419725746
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Everyone in town is a bit afraid of the very last castle which despite being closed up- emits a variety of creepy sounds. Ibb is little girl who is curious about what could be going on in there. One day, she knocks, and soon finds herself invited inside. What she discovers surprises her and changes the town.
This is a large book with great illustrations that could easily be shared with a large group. The story itself, I have seen many times, (spoiler), a lonely old man cooped up –an artist even, who finally learns it ok to be around others and share. I like that the book features sound and explanation for strange noises actually being normal things, this is a great lesson for young readers and a fun teaching tool for librarians and teachers about sounds used in literature. I think the cover is very appealing and would get many checkouts .
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Everyone in town is a bit afraid of the very last castle which despite being closed up- emits a variety of creepy sounds. Ibb is little girl who is curious about what could be going on in there. One day, she knocks, and soon finds herself invited inside. What she discovers surprises her and changes the town.
This is a large book with great illustrations that could easily be shared with a large group. The story itself, I have seen many times, (spoiler), a lonely old man cooped up –an artist even, who finally learns it ok to be around others and share. I like that the book features sound and explanation for strange noises actually being normal things, this is a great lesson for young readers and a fun teaching tool for librarians and teachers about sounds used in literature. I think the cover is very appealing and would get many checkouts .
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
April 22, 2020
This traditional tale with a twist stars Ibb, the one girl brave enough to investigate who actually lives in the old castle that stands in the middle of town. Rumors run rampant, but the truth surprises everyone. There’s an old castle in the middle of the town, it is something from a time so long ago that all that’s known about it is things that people around the town say. Snaps, thuds, and hissing emerge from its walls, and community members think that it must be filled with monsters or giants or snakes. Bu lbb is skeptical. “Maybe it’s something terrible,” she thinks. “Or maybe it’s something else.” She reaches out to the lonely guardsman who patrols the walls and discovers that not only is he charming and friendly, he looks after an amazing garden. In short order, Ibb agrees to carry on the guardsman’s legacy and helps him make new friends in the town, and they turn the garden into a public space. This would be a great book to use to talk about different elements of stories with students.
September 29, 2018
Ibb is an adventurous and kind girl. She often walks past the only castle left in her small town. One day her curiosity gets the best of her and she knocks on the door! She is greeted by an unfriendly surprise and she runs away, not speaking about it. Then not long after her visit she receives an envelope requesting her presence to the castle. Ibb accepts and begins to uncover and learn the truth about the castle.
This story is sweet and our protagonist, Ibb is a girl who has a big heart, one willing to take chances! Mark’s illustrations adds another wonderful layer to the book.
This book can lead to conversations around giving people a chance and how being young doesn’t mean you can’t change or help with big things! .
Also, it’s release around Halloween is a great time. I can see it being an inspiration for some castle themed stories! .
Thank you Travis for sending us this book that the world will be able to enjoy on October 9th!
.
November 19, 2018
Have you ever noticed when there is only one of anything left, the value, real or imagined, increases? When you think you will never enjoy the sensory experience of tasting, touching, smelling, seeing or hearing it again, it's as if there is nothing quite as important as tasting, touching, smelling, seeing or hearing that one thing as much as possible. Without a doubt you find yourself wondering why you waited until there was only one remaining before you gave it the attention it so richly deserves.
Perhaps this is why we need to protect and enjoy every detail of our lives, each and every day. The Very Last Castle (Abrams Books for Young Readers, October 9, 2018) debut picture book written by Travis Jonker with pictures by Mark Pett asks us to follow one very brave little girl. Not only does she ask questions, but she decides to find her own answers.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Perhaps this is why we need to protect and enjoy every detail of our lives, each and every day. The Very Last Castle (Abrams Books for Young Readers, October 9, 2018) debut picture book written by Travis Jonker with pictures by Mark Pett asks us to follow one very brave little girl. Not only does she ask questions, but she decides to find her own answers.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
November 15, 2020
Ibb is a little girl with a style all of her own. She proudly wears butterfly wings, tutus, and big yellow boots. Every day she walks past the last castle that is standing in her town, and no one is ever allowed inside. The people within the town all have their own ideas about what may be inside of the castle. Some say monsters, some say giants, and some say snakes, they tell Ibb to stay away from the castle, but Ibb knows that there could be something more inside. One day an envelope arrives in the mail, inviting her to the castle. The guard lets down the drawbridge and welcomes Ibb inside of the castle. Ibb sees that there are monsters and giants, only they are not real, they are beautifully sculpted topiary. Because Ibb was brave she overcame fears and made new friends. This story will help young children understand the importance of not letting fear stand in your way and creating new experiences in different ways.
July 23, 2018
A young girl, Ibb, lives in a town where there is only one castle still standing, and a lone knight guards it. The knight never comes out and no one from town ever goes in. While most townspeople think terrible things are in the castle, Ibb thinks differently. After boldly knocking on the castle door (and then running away), she receives an invitation to visit. Ibb’s willingness to think differently and take a chance is a lesson to herself, the entire town and most importantly, us as readers. Travis Jonker has written an uplifting story of a young girl’s curiosity and bravery and how her one simple act can change a community for the better. Mark Pett’s illustrations are equally beautiful; I especially Ibb’s unique sense of style with her big yellow boots and her backpack adorn with clip toys.
The Very Last Castle is already on my list to share with students and teachers for #classroombookaday! Special thanks to Jenny Choy at Abrams Books for sending a copy for my #bookexcursion group to review. It will be released on October 9, 2018
The Very Last Castle is already on my list to share with students and teachers for #classroombookaday! Special thanks to Jenny Choy at Abrams Books for sending a copy for my #bookexcursion group to review. It will be released on October 9, 2018
April 30, 2019
This is a charming story of a town that had the last remaining castle. No one had ever been inside or even knew who or what lived inside. The townspeople had their own ideas and speculated about who resided inside but no one “knew” anything for sure. It took one brave little girl’s lingering curiosity to finally find out.
Pett’s illustrations were muted and restrained. His use of various hues of browns, greens, and blues made the illustrations go flat for me. I was in LOVE with Ibb’s boots though. They were simply adorable. I really love seeing more diverse characters in the newer picture books. That is more representative of the classroom that our kids are in each day. This can be a tool to encourage kids to be brave and meet new people. One act of bravery can be all it takes to bring people together.
Pett’s illustrations were muted and restrained. His use of various hues of browns, greens, and blues made the illustrations go flat for me. I was in LOVE with Ibb’s boots though. They were simply adorable. I really love seeing more diverse characters in the newer picture books. That is more representative of the classroom that our kids are in each day. This can be a tool to encourage kids to be brave and meet new people. One act of bravery can be all it takes to bring people together.
July 7, 2018
In the middle of a village stands the very last castle in existence. No one goes in and no one comes out meaning there are a LOT of questions that surround what is going on behind those walls. A young girl, Ibb listens to everyone's theories and even has a few of her own. She suddenly receives an invitation to the castle and in faith, responds to the request. What she finds and how she responds is an incredible lesson to all.
In this story you will find the power of one child, the power of one assumption, the power of trust and taking a chance, the power of maybe...
I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to share it with students next year.
Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for #bookexcursion to review.
In this story you will find the power of one child, the power of one assumption, the power of trust and taking a chance, the power of maybe...
I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to share it with students next year.
Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for #bookexcursion to review.
October 12, 2018
Happy #BookBirthday to The Very Last Castle by @100scopenotes ! A story to explore giving the unknown a chance, getting to know something before we judge. Ibb is a brave&kind girl who won’t let other people’s opinions get in the way of making new friends & having new experiences.
Ibb repeatedly thinks“Maybe it’s something terrible. Could it be something else?”May we all be as open minded as Ibb when faced with the unknown & give it a chance! I love her backpack covered with patches & keychains, & her oversized boots! This story also brings young and old together, and how we can all learn from each other regardless of age, and the power of community.
I’m so excited that a librarian is now an author, how cool is that?!?
Ibb repeatedly thinks“Maybe it’s something terrible. Could it be something else?”May we all be as open minded as Ibb when faced with the unknown & give it a chance! I love her backpack covered with patches & keychains, & her oversized boots! This story also brings young and old together, and how we can all learn from each other regardless of age, and the power of community.
I’m so excited that a librarian is now an author, how cool is that?!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews