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Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle
When twelve-year-old Dalya is dragged to Istanbul to help sell her family's ancestral home, the visit begins unpromisingly. Most of the aged mansion is off-limits because it's falling apart, her father is ignoring her, and her great aunt keeps prattling on about a family curse. Despite warnings against it, Dalya tiptoes upstairs, where she finds an old bottle of magic ink hidden under a floorboard. She asks the bottle's jinn (aka genie) to grant her a simple wish...to send her home. Except the jinn interprets go home to mean send me back in time and turn me into a cat. Then Dalya must set off on a wild adventure through Istanbul's animal underworld to find the jinn with the power to set things right.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Evenson
6 books27 followersEvenson holds a PhD in literature from Michigan and an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA. She has worked as a consultant at Netflix and taught writing at Pepperdine University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 2, 2020
This was a really good, pleasant easy to understand and magical story with great overtures of realism in here teaching lots of things, one of them, about friendship.
Dalya goes to Turkey with her father thinking she is going to spend more time with him. It doesn’t transpire as he has to work.
Dalya comes upon an ink bottle, not just any ink bottle, it’s magical and it can transport her to all kinds of world.
Some she meets are humans and others not.
Reading this from a child’s point of view I would say this holds a wonderful adventure in your mind. Teaches you things and a good “bonding” book for parents.
Dalya goes to Turkey with her father thinking she is going to spend more time with him. It doesn’t transpire as he has to work.
Dalya comes upon an ink bottle, not just any ink bottle, it’s magical and it can transport her to all kinds of world.
Some she meets are humans and others not.
Reading this from a child’s point of view I would say this holds a wonderful adventure in your mind. Teaches you things and a good “bonding” book for parents.
February 17, 2020
"Mashallah has many special meanings," he said. "Usually, you say it when you notice something wonderful or beautiful about someone you love. It's a way of asking for protection. That good luck charm necklace is also meant to protect you."
"From what?"
"Jealousy. envy. We call it the Evil Eye," he said. "Saying mashallah reminds us that everything good in this world is exactly as God willed it. You say it when you feel thankful for the goodness your loved ones have been given and you want to keep them safe from anyone who would take it away, but it only works if you say it with your whole heart."
This book is precious! It brings me sense of belongingness, brings me to exciting adventures, brings meaning to friendship, bravery, kindness, and love. Such a beautiful book for children to read.
I am shock at first because this is 200 pages long. I thought it includes illustrations but it is just like a real long book for children. The story reminds me a lot of Coraline. They went to visit an old house, the place looks creepy, there's a little girl and a cat, then she is brought to a different place she didn't know. The difference is that Dalya is the cat in this story.
The book has a lot of stirring twists. She went back to the past, she tried her best to go home and understand why Zehra Hala told her she is the family's secret and she met great friends. It's grand! I love the friendship with Mina, Boz, Azman and Dalya. Though it was only a short time that they were together, I find their friendship charming and sweet.
I love Dalya's characteristic. Though still a child, she is definitely wise enough to assess her situation and weigh her options on the things she needs to do. She chose friendship over anything else. Even when things get so messed up, she still knows what she wants to do.
I also adore Mina. She also prioritize friendship over anything. She is loyal and she will do anything for her friends. She stands up for them and protect them. She is a sweet person. The end shows how she values her friends when she willingly let Dalya go because she wants her to be happy. Truly selfless!
The end is surprising. I never expected it will turn out to be like that. Dalya's adventures and story is peculiar and noteworthy. I love this so much.
Conclusion:
Definitely recommended to anyone who love Children's Fiction. If you love Coraline, you will certainly adore this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this ARC.
"From what?"
"Jealousy. envy. We call it the Evil Eye," he said. "Saying mashallah reminds us that everything good in this world is exactly as God willed it. You say it when you feel thankful for the goodness your loved ones have been given and you want to keep them safe from anyone who would take it away, but it only works if you say it with your whole heart."
This book is precious! It brings me sense of belongingness, brings me to exciting adventures, brings meaning to friendship, bravery, kindness, and love. Such a beautiful book for children to read.
I am shock at first because this is 200 pages long. I thought it includes illustrations but it is just like a real long book for children. The story reminds me a lot of Coraline. They went to visit an old house, the place looks creepy, there's a little girl and a cat, then she is brought to a different place she didn't know. The difference is that Dalya is the cat in this story.
The book has a lot of stirring twists. She went back to the past, she tried her best to go home and understand why Zehra Hala told her she is the family's secret and she met great friends. It's grand! I love the friendship with Mina, Boz, Azman and Dalya. Though it was only a short time that they were together, I find their friendship charming and sweet.
I love Dalya's characteristic. Though still a child, she is definitely wise enough to assess her situation and weigh her options on the things she needs to do. She chose friendship over anything else. Even when things get so messed up, she still knows what she wants to do.
I also adore Mina. She also prioritize friendship over anything. She is loyal and she will do anything for her friends. She stands up for them and protect them. She is a sweet person. The end shows how she values her friends when she willingly let Dalya go because she wants her to be happy. Truly selfless!
The end is surprising. I never expected it will turn out to be like that. Dalya's adventures and story is peculiar and noteworthy. I love this so much.
Conclusion:
Definitely recommended to anyone who love Children's Fiction. If you love Coraline, you will certainly adore this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this ARC.
January 20, 2021
I absolutely adore this book! It's been so many years since I read a book based on magic other than comic series or graphic novels! And I am so glad I picked this one up at the right time. And rightly so when I am an adult who gets really stressed out from all the mundane activities of daily life and work. This book worked like charm in making me believe in magic all over again!
The book narrates the story of a young girl, Dalya, who is away from her home with her dad at Istanbul to visit her aunt. She finds herself in an old house to spend the following days which she already starts dreading the moment she gets in. But life is going to change for her when she meets this unusual cat in the house. Her aunt seems to know something. Dalya feels she being watched all the time. Her dad still has work issues even though they are on a vacation. She's getting frustrated soon enough and no one can blame her.
But magic is awaiting her, will find her true friends, a story to tell about her great great grandmother, and finally fulfil her wish to be home.
I love the way the book.is written. It's pretty adventurous with a variety of character representation. It sometimes seems like a fairy tale with a bad aunt, magic performances, animal friends and acquaintances of all kinds! Wait, is there time travelling as well?
This book will work well for both cat and dog lovers as well because there are important characters representing both. And the characters are all so lively and unique that I simply rushed through all the chapters in just one sitting. It's that good.
Somehow I kept wanting for more when the book ended.
I like the author's work a lot and I will be looking forward to every book written by her.
And yes, I would love to watch this one as a movie adaptation! It's that vivid while I was reading the book!
Totally recommended 👍
The book narrates the story of a young girl, Dalya, who is away from her home with her dad at Istanbul to visit her aunt. She finds herself in an old house to spend the following days which she already starts dreading the moment she gets in. But life is going to change for her when she meets this unusual cat in the house. Her aunt seems to know something. Dalya feels she being watched all the time. Her dad still has work issues even though they are on a vacation. She's getting frustrated soon enough and no one can blame her.
But magic is awaiting her, will find her true friends, a story to tell about her great great grandmother, and finally fulfil her wish to be home.
I love the way the book.is written. It's pretty adventurous with a variety of character representation. It sometimes seems like a fairy tale with a bad aunt, magic performances, animal friends and acquaintances of all kinds! Wait, is there time travelling as well?
This book will work well for both cat and dog lovers as well because there are important characters representing both. And the characters are all so lively and unique that I simply rushed through all the chapters in just one sitting. It's that good.
Somehow I kept wanting for more when the book ended.
I like the author's work a lot and I will be looking forward to every book written by her.
And yes, I would love to watch this one as a movie adaptation! It's that vivid while I was reading the book!
Totally recommended 👍
July 27, 2020
"Any place can be home if you keep an open heart."
Set in Istanbul, Dalya's story of wishing for home is a delightful homage to "The Wizard of Oz." The creepy old family house does not appeal to Dalya when she first arrives. Despite being forbidden to go higher than the ground floor, Dalya follows a mysterious cat and finds a magic ink bottle. She wishes for home and wakes up as a cat in her great grandmother's Istanbul. Thus begins Dalya's quest to find the jinn of the ink bottle and find her way home. Along the way she makes friends with her great grandmother Mina as well as a bashful dog and a rat with magician ambitions. The opportunity is there for Dalya to right a wrong in her family. But how will she accomplish it? How can she get back home? There were some bits that obviously pointed to Oz like Aunt Sibel = Wicked Witch of the East. Others not so obvious like the squirrels = flying monkeys? It is a satisfying tale and I think it will appeal to fans of Erin Hunter and the Sara Mlynowski.
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Istanbul, Dalya's story of wishing for home is a delightful homage to "The Wizard of Oz." The creepy old family house does not appeal to Dalya when she first arrives. Despite being forbidden to go higher than the ground floor, Dalya follows a mysterious cat and finds a magic ink bottle. She wishes for home and wakes up as a cat in her great grandmother's Istanbul. Thus begins Dalya's quest to find the jinn of the ink bottle and find her way home. Along the way she makes friends with her great grandmother Mina as well as a bashful dog and a rat with magician ambitions. The opportunity is there for Dalya to right a wrong in her family. But how will she accomplish it? How can she get back home? There were some bits that obviously pointed to Oz like Aunt Sibel = Wicked Witch of the East. Others not so obvious like the squirrels = flying monkeys? It is a satisfying tale and I think it will appeal to fans of Erin Hunter and the Sara Mlynowski.
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2021
This was such a magical, amazing read! Absolutely loved it! When Dalya is dragged to Istanbul to help sell her family's ancestral home, it doesn’t start off well. Most of the aged mansion is off-limits because it's falling apart, her father is ignoring her, & her great aunt keeps prattling on about a family curse. Despite warnings against it, Dalya tiptoes upstairs, where she finds an old bottle of magic ink hidden under a floorboard. The wish she asks the bottle's jinn(genie)to grant her is to send her home. Except the jinn interprets go home to mean send her back in time & turn her into a cat. Then Dalya must set off on a wild adventure through Istanbul's animal underworld to find the jinn w/the power to set things right. This has so many elements I love in a book-magic, time travel, adventure, talking animals-including the beloved MG cat..in this case a cat our MC is turned into! Love it! Also, since she goes back to the early 1900s, it has that historical fiction aspect in a way I love too. I haven’t seen many books hardly at all set in Istanbul, so I loved that! I learned so many things, & with the detailed descriptions, this was so atmospheric. The friendship b/n Dalya, Mina, Boz, & Azman is my favorite part. And I can’t pick one, they ALL have my heart. I adore them all. So many important messages about family, & embracing them, & also your culture & past. Makes you think about what home & family mean to you when you think of them..Lots of adventure, bravery, beautiful writing, & the best friend group ever. So how do I feel about this book?..”Mashallah.” 😉Highly recommend! Stunning cover by Craig Phillips as well. Beautiful!💜
September 11, 2020
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Such fun!"
This was my first comment when leaving this initial review/rating. A month later I still stand by it. It's a cozy read, a read that gives you all the warm and fuzzies after an adventure.
And what an adventure! Being sent into the past- as a cat! With a mystery to boot! In Istanbul! With talking animals! And evil squirrels! (I think they were squirrels; I sadly can't check) Honestly what more could you possibly need?
Dalya was such a realistic character, and I think a lot of kids reading this could see themselves in her. In her tenacity, in her insecurities, in her love for her friends, be they human or animal.
This world, this book, is just so magical and cozy and just askdhfkjdsg; I really enjoyed reading it and would most definitely recommend this lovely book to everyone!
"Such fun!"
This was my first comment when leaving this initial review/rating. A month later I still stand by it. It's a cozy read, a read that gives you all the warm and fuzzies after an adventure.
And what an adventure! Being sent into the past- as a cat! With a mystery to boot! In Istanbul! With talking animals! And evil squirrels! (I think they were squirrels; I sadly can't check) Honestly what more could you possibly need?
Dalya was such a realistic character, and I think a lot of kids reading this could see themselves in her. In her tenacity, in her insecurities, in her love for her friends, be they human or animal.
This world, this book, is just so magical and cozy and just askdhfkjdsg; I really enjoyed reading it and would most definitely recommend this lovely book to everyone!
March 10, 2020
3.5 out of 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for tha ARC
Dayla travels with her father to the family home in Turkey. Her father promised to spent time with her, but it turns out he has work to do. When Dayla founds an ink bottle, she travels through time and goes on lots of adventures.
I adored this story. It's cute, well written and most of all filled with great adventures. The magic in the story is both literal and metaphorical. The ink bottle and other elements contain magic, but most of all the message the book contains is magical. The author teaches children about friendship, never giving up on your dreams and family.
It's a great story for children to relax after a busy day, but still learn new things about life. In some ways, it's educational due to the message it contains.
The characters are round and all represent one of those messages. Besides, they are unique and diverse in many ways. It's great to see how the author contained Turkish/Islamic elements into the story without making it all about their culture. The fact that not all characters are humans made it playful and ideal for children.
I felt like some parts could be a little more detailed. Overall it was a great story and I enjoyed it for sure!
Thanks to NetGalley for tha ARC
Dayla travels with her father to the family home in Turkey. Her father promised to spent time with her, but it turns out he has work to do. When Dayla founds an ink bottle, she travels through time and goes on lots of adventures.
I adored this story. It's cute, well written and most of all filled with great adventures. The magic in the story is both literal and metaphorical. The ink bottle and other elements contain magic, but most of all the message the book contains is magical. The author teaches children about friendship, never giving up on your dreams and family.
It's a great story for children to relax after a busy day, but still learn new things about life. In some ways, it's educational due to the message it contains.
The characters are round and all represent one of those messages. Besides, they are unique and diverse in many ways. It's great to see how the author contained Turkish/Islamic elements into the story without making it all about their culture. The fact that not all characters are humans made it playful and ideal for children.
I felt like some parts could be a little more detailed. Overall it was a great story and I enjoyed it for sure!
May 9, 2020
"Any place can be home if you keep an open heart." "Home isn't a place. It's wherever you find friendship & love."
Thanks to Netgalley, Capstone Editions & Author J M Evenson for this E-ARC.
Adventurous, portrays friendship with animals, magic, family love, time travel. These are the words that perfectly describe this book. This book was such a fun read for me. Most characters were animals which was quite unique and awesome. The descriptions of the streets of Istanbul, its markets and various traditional buildings were mind blowing. I loved how the author showed friendship between a human and animals. Even the mystery regarding the family secret/curse was revealed slowly, which was fantastic & intriguing. The whole story was adventurous, magical and emotional too.
The story begins with Dalya being dragged to Istanbul, Turkey with her dad to spend their vacation. Basically, her dad is helping her great aunt Zehra Hala in selling the family's ancestral home. Most of the aged mansion is off-limits because it's falling apart, her father is ignoring her, and her great aunt keeps prattling on about a family curse. Despite warnings against it, Dalya tiptoes upstairs, where she finds an old bottle of magic ink hidden under a floorboard. From here the main adventure starts.
Being an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade book then I truly reckon, the children will definitely enjoy reading this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Capstone Editions & Author J M Evenson for this E-ARC.
Adventurous, portrays friendship with animals, magic, family love, time travel. These are the words that perfectly describe this book. This book was such a fun read for me. Most characters were animals which was quite unique and awesome. The descriptions of the streets of Istanbul, its markets and various traditional buildings were mind blowing. I loved how the author showed friendship between a human and animals. Even the mystery regarding the family secret/curse was revealed slowly, which was fantastic & intriguing. The whole story was adventurous, magical and emotional too.
The story begins with Dalya being dragged to Istanbul, Turkey with her dad to spend their vacation. Basically, her dad is helping her great aunt Zehra Hala in selling the family's ancestral home. Most of the aged mansion is off-limits because it's falling apart, her father is ignoring her, and her great aunt keeps prattling on about a family curse. Despite warnings against it, Dalya tiptoes upstairs, where she finds an old bottle of magic ink hidden under a floorboard. From here the main adventure starts.
Being an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade book then I truly reckon, the children will definitely enjoy reading this book.
February 9, 2020
Delightful story of a girl named Dalya who, on vacation with her Dad in Istanbul, is mistakenly transformed into a cat, and transported back in time.
As we read through the story, we learn that Dalya goes back in time to "set things right." Little do we know what that means until the end of the story. You have to read it to find out.
A fabulous children's/middle grade book. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
As we read through the story, we learn that Dalya goes back in time to "set things right." Little do we know what that means until the end of the story. You have to read it to find out.
A fabulous children's/middle grade book. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2020
Very cute, loved it 💕
A bit of a shame that I couldn’t read the book in kindle, but had to resolve to my computer and an extra program to get to open the file for reading 📖
Read by netgalley
A bit of a shame that I couldn’t read the book in kindle, but had to resolve to my computer and an extra program to get to open the file for reading 📖
Read by netgalley
May 26, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I picked this one up purely based on the description and am so glad I did! I loved this story and the ragtag group of characters that came together as Dalya journeyed to find her way back home, and learned what home really was.
The writing style was easy and flowed wonderfully and the descriptions of Istanbul were just enough to paint a picture of the place. It's a great adventure and though Dalya sometimes acts impulsive or rashly, it suits her age and the audience it is aimed at. All in all it was a fun story with lots of heart.
I picked this one up purely based on the description and am so glad I did! I loved this story and the ragtag group of characters that came together as Dalya journeyed to find her way back home, and learned what home really was.
The writing style was easy and flowed wonderfully and the descriptions of Istanbul were just enough to paint a picture of the place. It's a great adventure and though Dalya sometimes acts impulsive or rashly, it suits her age and the audience it is aimed at. All in all it was a fun story with lots of heart.
June 17, 2020
Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this middle-grade book about cats and time travel - and I even learned some new facts about Istanbul!
Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle has to do with a mystery involving a curse, and I was not expecting the events surrounding the conclusion. It was totally unpredictable, which I loved about this book. Dalya and the other animal characters were super cute, too - I even came to love the conceited, magic-performing rat and the squirrel enemies!
The novel also features a heart-warming message about family and what "home" means to different people. Home is where the heart is, they say, which our main character has to figure out along with how to break the curse placed on her.
Overall, this was a mesmerizing read!
I loved this middle-grade book about cats and time travel - and I even learned some new facts about Istanbul!
Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle has to do with a mystery involving a curse, and I was not expecting the events surrounding the conclusion. It was totally unpredictable, which I loved about this book. Dalya and the other animal characters were super cute, too - I even came to love the conceited, magic-performing rat and the squirrel enemies!
The novel also features a heart-warming message about family and what "home" means to different people. Home is where the heart is, they say, which our main character has to figure out along with how to break the curse placed on her.
Overall, this was a mesmerizing read!
April 12, 2021
Entirely charming - vividly drawn world, delightful characters. I want to live in this book!
July 28, 2020
When twelve-year-old Dalya and her father (Baba) head to Turkey for the summer, she’s not expecting much. She’s not spent a lot of time with her father since her parents divorced six years ago, and she’s not thrilled at all to be heading to his homeland with him now. Her father’s not told Dalya much about Turkey, or their family living there, so when they get to her great aunt’s crumbling mansion, she wants to rush to the nearest hotel and have nothing to do with any of it.
Once inside, Dalya can see that the inside matches the outside, and after being told not to go up to the second floor, she’s off to her room for the night. While there, she meets up with a gorgeous white cat who has different colored eyes and a black tipped tail.
Only things aren’t as they seem with the cat. The next day, Dalya follows the strange cat upstairs, and is yelled at when she’s discovered by her father. The second floor isn’t safe, and no one should be up there. But what her father and great aunt don’t know is that the cat showed Dalya a secret, one that she has inside her pocket. One that will eventually lead her on a grand adventure. After reading the slip of paper she found, she made a wish. But as you know, wishes from jinn (genies) are far from straightforward and Dalya has been sent back in time, and has been changed into something else.
Can she find the jinn who granted the wish and be sent back home? Or will she be forced to live in the past with her relative, a dog, and a rat?
I absolutely devoured this story. Full of magic and adventure, you don’t want to stop reading. And the fact that it’s set in the beautiful land of Istanbul, is just the icing on an already stunning cake. This story is so good, from the writing, to the characters, to the plot. You root for Dalya, Mina, Azman, and Boz as they’re led out onto a grand adventure to not only help Dalya, but all the rest in their own way. This story does have a little of The Wizard of Oz wrapped up in it, but it’s a great overall story.
Are you a fan of fantastical tales full of creatures great and small? Then head out with Dalya, Mina, Azman, and Boz as they discover the wonders of Istanbul, and the things their hearts desire.
**I received an ARC of this story from Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Once inside, Dalya can see that the inside matches the outside, and after being told not to go up to the second floor, she’s off to her room for the night. While there, she meets up with a gorgeous white cat who has different colored eyes and a black tipped tail.
Only things aren’t as they seem with the cat. The next day, Dalya follows the strange cat upstairs, and is yelled at when she’s discovered by her father. The second floor isn’t safe, and no one should be up there. But what her father and great aunt don’t know is that the cat showed Dalya a secret, one that she has inside her pocket. One that will eventually lead her on a grand adventure. After reading the slip of paper she found, she made a wish. But as you know, wishes from jinn (genies) are far from straightforward and Dalya has been sent back in time, and has been changed into something else.
Can she find the jinn who granted the wish and be sent back home? Or will she be forced to live in the past with her relative, a dog, and a rat?
I absolutely devoured this story. Full of magic and adventure, you don’t want to stop reading. And the fact that it’s set in the beautiful land of Istanbul, is just the icing on an already stunning cake. This story is so good, from the writing, to the characters, to the plot. You root for Dalya, Mina, Azman, and Boz as they’re led out onto a grand adventure to not only help Dalya, but all the rest in their own way. This story does have a little of The Wizard of Oz wrapped up in it, but it’s a great overall story.
Are you a fan of fantastical tales full of creatures great and small? Then head out with Dalya, Mina, Azman, and Boz as they discover the wonders of Istanbul, and the things their hearts desire.
**I received an ARC of this story from Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 1, 2020
When twelve-year-old Dalya travels to Istanbul with her workaholic father, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, her family’s ancestral home is dilapidated and super spooky. Despite warnings from her great aunt, she sneaks upstairs, discovers a magic ink bottle beneath a loose floorboard, and makes a wish to go home. But when Dalya wakes up the next day, she is a cat living in the family’s home at the turn of the 20th century. Although the house is no longer spooky, this is not exactly what Dalya meant by “go home.”
Desperate to return to her father, Dalya embarks on a magical journey through the beautiful streets of Istanbul to return the magic ink bottle to Mustafa the Great. She enlists the help of a lonely little girl, a talking dog, and a crafty rat who is an aspiring-magician. Along the way they encounter a cast of adorable talking animals who never fail to delight the reader with their charming quirks.
I absolutely loved this heartfelt story about family, friendship and the true meaning of home. Evenson masterfully captures the voice of 12-year-old Dalya and her ragtag gang of human and furry friends. The author’s vivid descriptions of the Grand Bazaar and other enchanting historical landmarks transported me to the Istanbul I have always longed to visit. This book will appeal to kids of all ages, and I can almost guarantee that you will be picturing the movie in your head as you devour this book. Can’t wait to see it on the big screen!
Looking forward to reading Dalya’s next adventure!!
Desperate to return to her father, Dalya embarks on a magical journey through the beautiful streets of Istanbul to return the magic ink bottle to Mustafa the Great. She enlists the help of a lonely little girl, a talking dog, and a crafty rat who is an aspiring-magician. Along the way they encounter a cast of adorable talking animals who never fail to delight the reader with their charming quirks.
I absolutely loved this heartfelt story about family, friendship and the true meaning of home. Evenson masterfully captures the voice of 12-year-old Dalya and her ragtag gang of human and furry friends. The author’s vivid descriptions of the Grand Bazaar and other enchanting historical landmarks transported me to the Istanbul I have always longed to visit. This book will appeal to kids of all ages, and I can almost guarantee that you will be picturing the movie in your head as you devour this book. Can’t wait to see it on the big screen!
Looking forward to reading Dalya’s next adventure!!
November 12, 2020
Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle
By: J. M. Evenson
Capstone
Capstone Editions
Children's Fiction, Middle Grade
Publish Date: September 1. 2020
#Dalyaandthe MagicInkBottle
#NetGalley
This was fun middle grade. I gave it 4 stars.
This book is about a 12 year old girl who learns about family and friends.
She isn't thrilled about spending her summer vacation in Turkey with her dad. Her parents are divorce and her dad is always working and hasn't spent much time with. He promises he will spend time with on this trip to reconnect with her but ends up breaking this promise on the first day.
She finds a bottle under some floorboards and discovers that it is magic and she wishes to go home. Does she go home no she ends up going back in time still in Turkey but now she is a cat. She wants to get back and has to figure out how to do so.
She finds some friends in a girl, a dog and a rat. Does she learn how to become a good friend? Does she learn about how important a family? More important does she get back home?
This was a lot of fun and adventure in here and I would recommend that you read it
By: J. M. Evenson
Capstone
Capstone Editions
Children's Fiction, Middle Grade
Publish Date: September 1. 2020
#Dalyaandthe MagicInkBottle
#NetGalley
This was fun middle grade. I gave it 4 stars.
This book is about a 12 year old girl who learns about family and friends.
She isn't thrilled about spending her summer vacation in Turkey with her dad. Her parents are divorce and her dad is always working and hasn't spent much time with. He promises he will spend time with on this trip to reconnect with her but ends up breaking this promise on the first day.
She finds a bottle under some floorboards and discovers that it is magic and she wishes to go home. Does she go home no she ends up going back in time still in Turkey but now she is a cat. She wants to get back and has to figure out how to do so.
She finds some friends in a girl, a dog and a rat. Does she learn how to become a good friend? Does she learn about how important a family? More important does she get back home?
This was a lot of fun and adventure in here and I would recommend that you read it
August 5, 2020
*NetGalley Copy read in exchange for an honest review*
Dalya is sick of trying to get her fathers attention. He has taken her all the way to the home he grew up in to spend the summer with her but he still cant stay away from his work and is constantly picking up his phone. Dalya decides to explore and stumbles across a strange looking cat and an ink bottle. When she makes a wish to go back home something changes and she finds herself in an unfamiliar place, searching for a way home and back to her father.
Dalya discovers something that she did not know she would miss when she is trapped in the past as a cat. She realizes how important family is and how important her relationship with her dad is regardless of how strained it is at this time.
The amount of support that friends can become in our lives is so touching and this story really showcases how much friends can get you through in hard times. how much friends are willing to go through and risk in order to help out.
Its so touching to see how the introduction of such a friend into someones life can change the course of their entire future. Seeing it firsthand in the outcome of the family house.
This was a very cute book that was easy and exciting to read. I believe that this would be a good book for classroom discussion and read along that children would enjoy.
Dalya is sick of trying to get her fathers attention. He has taken her all the way to the home he grew up in to spend the summer with her but he still cant stay away from his work and is constantly picking up his phone. Dalya decides to explore and stumbles across a strange looking cat and an ink bottle. When she makes a wish to go back home something changes and she finds herself in an unfamiliar place, searching for a way home and back to her father.
Dalya discovers something that she did not know she would miss when she is trapped in the past as a cat. She realizes how important family is and how important her relationship with her dad is regardless of how strained it is at this time.
The amount of support that friends can become in our lives is so touching and this story really showcases how much friends can get you through in hard times. how much friends are willing to go through and risk in order to help out.
Its so touching to see how the introduction of such a friend into someones life can change the course of their entire future. Seeing it firsthand in the outcome of the family house.
This was a very cute book that was easy and exciting to read. I believe that this would be a good book for classroom discussion and read along that children would enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
Twelve year old Dalya, child of a split family, visits her father's dilapidated family home in Istanbul. Despite promises of spending time together, Dalya's father spends much of his time working, leaving Dalya bored and irritated. Until, that is, she finds a magic ink bottle, and she discovers friendship, family and the meaning of "home".
I had originally downloaded this book for my kiddo during the 2020 lockdown, but due to global circumstances, we didn't manage to read it until now. Somewhat reminiscent of both Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz, Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle is a modern fable about family and connection.
The settings of Istanbul were gorgeously written, and I often found myself pausing to look up various locations mentioned before continuing with the story. Some of the interactions did appear a little far-fetched, however as long as the reader remembers that this is a world of magic and myth, it's ok.
I found the characters to be well written (Boz was far and away one of my favourites!) and the whole storyline engaging, and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
I had originally downloaded this book for my kiddo during the 2020 lockdown, but due to global circumstances, we didn't manage to read it until now. Somewhat reminiscent of both Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz, Dalya and the Magic Ink Bottle is a modern fable about family and connection.
The settings of Istanbul were gorgeously written, and I often found myself pausing to look up various locations mentioned before continuing with the story. Some of the interactions did appear a little far-fetched, however as long as the reader remembers that this is a world of magic and myth, it's ok.
I found the characters to be well written (Boz was far and away one of my favourites!) and the whole storyline engaging, and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
August 29, 2020
Dalya is a 12-year old girl. Her father takes her to Istanbul for Summer vacation to visit her great aunt. The Aunt’s House looks like a house from the horror movies, in ruin and almost falling apart. Dalya has her suspicions regarding the house but her father brushes them away.
While Dalya waits to spend her time with her busy father, she comes across a magical cat. Dalya’s Aunt herself is full of secrets and tells Dalya that she has to set things right. The cat leads Dalya to a magic ink bottle and Dalya makes a wish to go home, Cleveland.
Dalya transforms into a cat. As a cat, Dalya is on a quest to find the owner of the ink bottle so that he can change her back to human. Dalya makes new friends along the journey who help her with her mission.
I loved that the setting of the book was in Instanbul and Dalya’s family are Muslims. I also liked the various animal characters and animal hang-outs in the book. There is a ‘human’ Instabul and an ‘animal’ Istanbul. In a few places, the scenes seemed incredulous for me, but might be enjoyable for kids.
This book would be of interest to middle graders who like reading diverse literature filled with magic and animal characters.
While Dalya waits to spend her time with her busy father, she comes across a magical cat. Dalya’s Aunt herself is full of secrets and tells Dalya that she has to set things right. The cat leads Dalya to a magic ink bottle and Dalya makes a wish to go home, Cleveland.
Dalya transforms into a cat. As a cat, Dalya is on a quest to find the owner of the ink bottle so that he can change her back to human. Dalya makes new friends along the journey who help her with her mission.
I loved that the setting of the book was in Instanbul and Dalya’s family are Muslims. I also liked the various animal characters and animal hang-outs in the book. There is a ‘human’ Instabul and an ‘animal’ Istanbul. In a few places, the scenes seemed incredulous for me, but might be enjoyable for kids.
This book would be of interest to middle graders who like reading diverse literature filled with magic and animal characters.
July 25, 2021
This delightful middle grade story centers on a 12 year old girl named Dalya whose father takes her on a summer vacation to his family's old house in Istanbul. Everything about the place reminds Dalya of a horror movie. What makes it worse is she didn't want to be dragged halfway around the world in order to be ignored by her father--again. Of course she ignores her great aunt's orders to not go upstairs, but when she does interesting things happen. She meets a djinn who propels her back in time in the body of a cat! And all because she wished to go home.
This is a fun and fanciful book with lots of talking animals and positive themes of friendship and sacrifice for something greater than yourself. I especially liked the setting. Istanbul has a magic all it's own and it's nice to read something not set in more traditional locales.
Any chance of a sequel?
This is a fun and fanciful book with lots of talking animals and positive themes of friendship and sacrifice for something greater than yourself. I especially liked the setting. Istanbul has a magic all it's own and it's nice to read something not set in more traditional locales.
Any chance of a sequel?
June 14, 2020
My rating is 2.5/5 stars
So, it's been over 3 days since I read this book and I've been knowingly delaying it's review post. It's not bad per say but it also didn't leave a great impression on me either.
I enjoy reading Middle grade level books. It was cute and the premise was interesting but somehow, I didn't connect as well with the story as I had hoped. Maybe younger me would have liked it but for 16 yr old Me, it was a forgettable affair. Just not my cup of tea.
Honestly, I don't know whether to recommend it or not. Perhaps actual Middle Graders would like it, so ya, recommended for them. :)
Full review: https://sugarplumsays.wixsite.com/sup...
So, it's been over 3 days since I read this book and I've been knowingly delaying it's review post. It's not bad per say but it also didn't leave a great impression on me either.
I enjoy reading Middle grade level books. It was cute and the premise was interesting but somehow, I didn't connect as well with the story as I had hoped. Maybe younger me would have liked it but for 16 yr old Me, it was a forgettable affair. Just not my cup of tea.
Honestly, I don't know whether to recommend it or not. Perhaps actual Middle Graders would like it, so ya, recommended for them. :)
Full review: https://sugarplumsays.wixsite.com/sup...
April 22, 2025
I couldn't finish this book as it was riddled (pun intended) with too many cliches. There wasn't enough character development before the action slowly takes off in chapter 4. I don't know if this book was really written for 12 year olds in mind or their parents. There is an element of Alice in Wonderland in chapter 3. I don't know if modern children would be aware of either the book or any of the film adaptations. I find it reads too much like a netflix film. Too much happening and not enough to go on with whether this will make any sense in the end.
June 9, 2020
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review here and on my blog Samwise Reviews. This was a really touching and cute story. Dalya goes to Istanbul with her father and ends up on a magical journey reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Through their trials and journeys her and her companions learn the meaning of friendship, family, and home, in a way that will easily resonate with children. I loved the tour we got of a few of the cities highlights, and the idea of each animal having their own Grand Bazaar was perfect. Overall this is a book that I will definitely be picking up for a few children I know.
June 4, 2020
I received an ARC in change of an honest review through NetGalley, all the opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
My Rating: 4.5
I absolutely loved the magical vibe of this book. I think it's a great read for every age from a child to an adult as long as you like children's adventures type of stories.
In the book we follow Dalya, that has traveled together with her father to Istanbul for the first time in her life. She's expecting to spend more time with her Baba (since the divorce she hasn't seen her father that many times) but unfortunately it seems that her dad only cares about work. In a moment of frustration, Dalya finds a magic bottle and makes a wish: shes wishes to go home.
However things don't go as planned and from then on the true story and adventure starts.
I loved every thing character in this book and the message in it it's also so beautiful. It portraits family and specially friendship in such a different way.
I would totally recommend this book if you have a child, this would be the perfect bed time story.
My Rating: 4.5
I absolutely loved the magical vibe of this book. I think it's a great read for every age from a child to an adult as long as you like children's adventures type of stories.
In the book we follow Dalya, that has traveled together with her father to Istanbul for the first time in her life. She's expecting to spend more time with her Baba (since the divorce she hasn't seen her father that many times) but unfortunately it seems that her dad only cares about work. In a moment of frustration, Dalya finds a magic bottle and makes a wish: shes wishes to go home.
However things don't go as planned and from then on the true story and adventure starts.
I loved every thing character in this book and the message in it it's also so beautiful. It portraits family and specially friendship in such a different way.
I would totally recommend this book if you have a child, this would be the perfect bed time story.
July 15, 2020
Great book that really delves into the meaning of friendship and what home really is.
Dalya is spending the summer in Istanbul with her father to learn more about where he came from. Dalya goes on an incredible journey and finds her connection to Istanbul.
Dalya is spending the summer in Istanbul with her father to learn more about where he came from. Dalya goes on an incredible journey and finds her connection to Istanbul.
December 17, 2020
I loved, loved, loved this magical story. What a gift to open a book and be transported to the streets of Istanbul. Mystery, hope and adventure abound in this tribute to friendship, family, and a belief in the extraordinary.
June 10, 2020
As long as you can read Dalya as a cat who mostly remembers she has paws instead of human hands but sometimes forgets and does things a cat should not be able to do, this book is magical. I loved all of her friends in Istanbul and I especially found delight in the different underground, specialized animal markets.
July 24, 2020
I'd been struggling with reading lately but this book brought back a lot of childhood nostalgia and reminded me why I started reading in the first place.
July 24, 2020
Absolutely delightful!! Cats. Magic. Time travel. Istanbul. Honestly, this book had everything I love. A fun adventure that you or your children or both will enjoy. A really magical read!!
February 2, 2021
This reminded me of stories I read when I was the main characters age. I love stories like this one even to this day.
I love the idea of having a jinn to grant wishes.
I love the idea of having a jinn to grant wishes.
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