Gabriel and the Phantom Sleepers

by Jenny Nimmo

Gabriel Silk’s family are the keepers of a magical cloak, handed down the generations. When Gabriel's father is called away, responsibility for the cloak falls to Gabriel.

Gabriel must journey to his uncle's house, but someone else is on the trail of the cloak and Gabriel's nightmare comes true – the cloak disappears.

With the help of his cousin Sadie, and an assortment of unexpected friends along the way, Gabriel sets out to find the cloak. But they are heading towards great danger … and the Phantom Sleepers aren't far behind.

Will Gabriel be able to use his magical powers to save himself and his family?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2018

About the author

Jenny Nimmo was born in Windsor, Berkshire, England and educated at boarding schools in Kent and Surrey from the age of six until the age of sixteen, when she ran away from school to become a drama student/assistant stage manager with Theater South East. She graduated and acted in repertory theater in various towns and cities: Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Hastings, and Bexhill.

She left Britain to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi, Italy. On her return, she joined the BBC, first as a picture researcher, then as an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news) then finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory (a BBC storytelling program for children). She left BBC to marry a Welsh artist David Wynn Millward and went to live in Wales in her husband's family home. They live in a very old converted watermill, and the river is constantly threatening to break in, as it has done several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child's first birthday. During the summer they run a residential school of art, and she has to move her office, put down tools (type-writer and pencil, and don an apron and cook! They have three grown-up children, Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.

Reviews

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE 5.43
3 STARS

Read for Polarthon 2024.
This had a surprising polar fantasy storyline with wintry weather and a phantom with snow powers.
A cute story, surprisingly sinister in places for a middle grade.
I did enjoy reading it but it wasn't an 'outstanding' read for me.

[Leni Iversen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old started reading this, but quickly found it a bit too scary and asked me to read it with him. Very fortunate for me! We both really enjoyed this book about a stolen magical cloak, an evil sorceress ex-step mother, enchanted (cursed) people, and eerie green-glowing phantoms. Highly recommended for junior/middle school children and their designated adult. (If you have a 9-10 year old they'll be fine on their own, but you could always insist on reading it to them so you don't miss out.)

[Kai Bergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fantasy story. Don't need to have read Charlie Bone to understand, but it takes place in the same world. Friendship emphasis.

[Becca Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my year 5/6 but bookclub group, Jenny Nimmo is a master story teller and a weaver of magic. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Olivia Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it it was ok

[Laura Hands · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical, adventure filled story. Perfect for children 8+ Lots of really likeable characters.

[Amelia Philpotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book I rate it 4 stars

[Daniella Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book

I was unsure from the cover but it was an easy read and i quickly got into it
Id like to read more from the author

[Kajiriarishima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cerita berpusat pada teman terbaik Charlie BOne, Gabriel. Demi menyelesaikan misi menjaga jubah raja. Banyak petualangan dan teman baru yang di temui oleh Gabriel di sebuah kota lain.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and I was familiar with the world from the Charlie Bone books that I loved but ultimately everything seemed too easily resolved and the characters lacked depth.

[Glecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a cute fantasy story about a boy named Gabriel who becomes a keeper of a magical cloak. The cloak gets stolen by a witch and Gabriel has to get it back before it's too late. Three Phantom Sleepers (sort of) help him find it.

I did not enjoy it very much, but the story was interesting. I like Gabriel's magical powers and Sadie's wit. Maybe the plot just needed more exciting adventures.