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Eliza Vanda's Button Box: Cbca Notable Book 2022
From the author of the award-winning His Name was Walter comes another magical mystery story that will delight Emily Rodda fans.
Buttons three, attend to me!
Take me where I want to be!
No one saw Eliza Vanda arrive in Tidgy Bay that rainy winter afternoon. The sign advertising 'Cabins for Rent' was almost hidden by a pile of builder's rubble, but Eliza Vanda didn't seem at all put out by the mess.
'This is a nice little pocket, ' she said. 'It should suit us very well.'
Life hasn't been much fun for Milly Dynes lately. There seem to be problems everywhere she looks. She's always loved her home in Tidgy Bay, but at the moment she wishes she was somewhere -anywhere - else.
Then Eliza Vanda turns up-and magic comes with her ...
A sparkling new fantasy adventure from multi-award-winning author Emily Rodda.
AWARDS FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER:
Winner - 2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Children's Literature)
Winner - 2019 Australian Book Design Awards (Children's Fiction Book)
Winner - 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards (Younger Readers)
Shortlisted - 2019 Davitt Awards (Children's)
Shortlisted - 2019 QLD Literary Awards (Griffith University Children's Book Award)
Shortlisted - 2018 Aurealis Awards (Best Young Adult Novel)
PRAISE FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER:
'Another magnificent book from Emily Rodda' - Readings
'guaranteed to capture the imaginations of 8+ mystery lovers' - Better Reading
Buttons three, attend to me!
Take me where I want to be!
No one saw Eliza Vanda arrive in Tidgy Bay that rainy winter afternoon. The sign advertising 'Cabins for Rent' was almost hidden by a pile of builder's rubble, but Eliza Vanda didn't seem at all put out by the mess.
'This is a nice little pocket, ' she said. 'It should suit us very well.'
Life hasn't been much fun for Milly Dynes lately. There seem to be problems everywhere she looks. She's always loved her home in Tidgy Bay, but at the moment she wishes she was somewhere -anywhere - else.
Then Eliza Vanda turns up-and magic comes with her ...
A sparkling new fantasy adventure from multi-award-winning author Emily Rodda.
AWARDS FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER:
Winner - 2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Children's Literature)
Winner - 2019 Australian Book Design Awards (Children's Fiction Book)
Winner - 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards (Younger Readers)
Shortlisted - 2019 Davitt Awards (Children's)
Shortlisted - 2019 QLD Literary Awards (Griffith University Children's Book Award)
Shortlisted - 2018 Aurealis Awards (Best Young Adult Novel)
PRAISE FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER:
'Another magnificent book from Emily Rodda' - Readings
'guaranteed to capture the imaginations of 8+ mystery lovers' - Better Reading
288 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2021
13 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
299 books2,135 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 54 reviews
August 23, 2021
The first time young Milly Dynes looked at Eliza Vanda she felt a little jolt like an electric shock. Looking out the window of her house at Tidgy Bay she is amazed to see a small woman in a green cloak with two bulging green bags standing in the rain. No car, no bus, no taxi - she appears out of nowhere as if by magic. Eliza needs a place to stay, and the cabins Milly and her dad Rory rent out are the perfect place for the mysterious dressmaker to finish her work. And, just like that, Milly’s quiet little life by the sea gets a whole lot more interesting.
Eliza is a mysterious and intriguing guest. Think Mary Poppins and a zany Mrs Doubtfire. Even Milly’s nasty neighbour’s cat Sultan is obsessed with Eliza Vanda and can’t keep away from her cabin. However, she’s just the sort of friend Milly needs and she happily volunteers to assist Eliza when the occasion arises. But nothing will prepare Milly for what this actually entails, and the reason why Sultan is obsessed is just one of the strange things that Eliza’s cabin hides.
This is a magical tale by one of my favourite writers. Adventure, fantasy, friendship, reslience and family – it is a great read for young people aged 8+
Eliza is a mysterious and intriguing guest. Think Mary Poppins and a zany Mrs Doubtfire. Even Milly’s nasty neighbour’s cat Sultan is obsessed with Eliza Vanda and can’t keep away from her cabin. However, she’s just the sort of friend Milly needs and she happily volunteers to assist Eliza when the occasion arises. But nothing will prepare Milly for what this actually entails, and the reason why Sultan is obsessed is just one of the strange things that Eliza’s cabin hides.
This is a magical tale by one of my favourite writers. Adventure, fantasy, friendship, reslience and family – it is a great read for young people aged 8+
April 11, 2021
Milly is in year 6, living in the seaside town of Tidgy Bay, facing many changes. Her step-mother has given birth to a little sister (both are still in hospital), Dad Rory is creating a bedroom for Milly in the attic (her new sister will get her current room), and the last day of primary school is drawing near...
Money is tight. Artist Dad works in the local pizza shop to make ends meet, and the family rent out holiday cottages near their home ‘Spindrift’.
Against this background Eliza Vanda arrives wearing a green cloak and carrying two green bags - wanting to rent a cottage.
Like Mary Poppins, Eliza Vanda arrives in Milly’s life like a refreshing breeze - blowing away stormy self-doubt and anxious futures.
Eliza & Co challenge Milly with friendship, adventure and new insights about herself.
This is a delightful little book - from Hazel Lam’s splendid cover, to distant characters who possess emotions similar to Philip Pullman’s daemons. This is a book of discoveries, adventure and new horizons.
‘Eliza Vanda’s button box’ would make a lovely class read aloud for students in year 2 and upwards.
I would recommend this book for +8 year old readers.
Thank you, Emily Rodda for another sensational book.
Money is tight. Artist Dad works in the local pizza shop to make ends meet, and the family rent out holiday cottages near their home ‘Spindrift’.
Against this background Eliza Vanda arrives wearing a green cloak and carrying two green bags - wanting to rent a cottage.
Like Mary Poppins, Eliza Vanda arrives in Milly’s life like a refreshing breeze - blowing away stormy self-doubt and anxious futures.
Eliza & Co challenge Milly with friendship, adventure and new insights about herself.
This is a delightful little book - from Hazel Lam’s splendid cover, to distant characters who possess emotions similar to Philip Pullman’s daemons. This is a book of discoveries, adventure and new horizons.
‘Eliza Vanda’s button box’ would make a lovely class read aloud for students in year 2 and upwards.
I would recommend this book for +8 year old readers.
Thank you, Emily Rodda for another sensational book.
October 29, 2021
This book was a quick read, but I loved it so much!
I adore Emily Rodda's works and it has almost become a habit to read everything she releases.
Look, I'll stop reading her stuff when they stop being amazing, and I don't think that's happening anytime soon.
Eliza Vanda's Button Box was a beautiful fantasy journey, with a creative fantasy story and a great cast of characters.
I will defiantly be recommending this book to my younger family members when I want drag them into the fantasy world.
I adore Emily Rodda's works and it has almost become a habit to read everything she releases.
Look, I'll stop reading her stuff when they stop being amazing, and I don't think that's happening anytime soon.
Eliza Vanda's Button Box was a beautiful fantasy journey, with a creative fantasy story and a great cast of characters.
I will defiantly be recommending this book to my younger family members when I want drag them into the fantasy world.
April 4, 2021
A gorgeous, sweet story about growing up and accepting change. Absolutely loved it to bits.
April 21, 2023
This was super fun. Whimsical characters and magical happenings- with an inventive premise: magical “mender” Eliza Vanda has a button box, the contents of which can be used for sewing onto clothes… or travelling to different lands, or even sending messages. With a great plot too, and effective character that’s believable and not too on the nose (as is the case for some books for younger readers). There’s a reason Emily Rodda has won so many awards. This would be a good one for reading out loud to younger Primary students, or for them reading themselves once they’re able to.
June 14, 2021
A delightful fantasy adventure. Perfect for independent readers in middle primary or a fun class read aloud. An added bonus is the beautiful cover and endpapers.
April 18, 2022
A fun and magical adventure!
April 8, 2022
The little seaside town of Tidgy Bay is quiet this time of year. Summer has passed and the beach cabins owned by the Dynes family are all empty. Milly Dynes has a lot on her mind. Dad is redecorating the attic to become her room, as a new baby sister is soon coming home from the hospital into her old room. Milly still isn’t sure to be excited about a new room or not. And then there is the uncertainty of a new school. Milly is in her last year of primary, and the recent visit to her new school was daunting.
Sleepy Tidgy Bay is suddenly woken by a stranger in their midst. A woman with two bulging bags seemed to appear out of nowhere, wanting to rent one of the cabins. She seems friendly, thinks Milly as she learns the woman’s name. Eliza Vanda.
Eliza needs a quiet space to complete her work, and Milly is dying to know what that work might be, along with some more entrenched nosy parkers of the area. Soon Milly not only knows what Eliza’s work is, but is helping her with it. Eliza is sewing a beautiful wedding dress, and the wedding is very soon!
Milly is tasked with finding the correct buttons, and then much more besides. Eliza is much more than she seems and Milly’s worries of new rooms and new schools are swished away with magical spells, strange towns, a grumpy mouse boy and a princess.
It’s not all wonder however as a witch is causing trouble in Eliza’s world. She is full of trickery and plans, and Milly nearly falls foul of her and a magical object. As Milly is given more magical jobs by Eliza, her confidence builds, eventually saving a special event, an unhappy frog and Eliza Vanda herself!
Like the wonderful Mary Poppins, Eliza Vanda appears out of nowhere and magical things begin to happen. Milly Dynes is a lovely character, pondering being a big sister, and soon to be high school (intermediate in NZ) student. She’s worried about these changes, but also curious about the stranger in town, and still young enough to embrace the magic about to happen to her.
This story touches on fairytale, but is grounded with a local busybody, a chatty shopkeeper and a hard-working dad, who struggling to do all that needs doing. Milly has a guilty secret too, not knowing it could possibly cause a disaster. All these emotions, mixed with a creeping, cranky cat called Sultan, a button box (which many of us remember from our own childhoods) and simple travel spells, captured me quickly and kept me reading.
A lovely story for a good reader of 7 up, which would also be a great read-aloud for junior classes. Milly is the main character, but there is a key boy character too, appeasing boys in a classroom who think the pink cover is too girly for them.
Sleepy Tidgy Bay is suddenly woken by a stranger in their midst. A woman with two bulging bags seemed to appear out of nowhere, wanting to rent one of the cabins. She seems friendly, thinks Milly as she learns the woman’s name. Eliza Vanda.
Eliza needs a quiet space to complete her work, and Milly is dying to know what that work might be, along with some more entrenched nosy parkers of the area. Soon Milly not only knows what Eliza’s work is, but is helping her with it. Eliza is sewing a beautiful wedding dress, and the wedding is very soon!
Milly is tasked with finding the correct buttons, and then much more besides. Eliza is much more than she seems and Milly’s worries of new rooms and new schools are swished away with magical spells, strange towns, a grumpy mouse boy and a princess.
It’s not all wonder however as a witch is causing trouble in Eliza’s world. She is full of trickery and plans, and Milly nearly falls foul of her and a magical object. As Milly is given more magical jobs by Eliza, her confidence builds, eventually saving a special event, an unhappy frog and Eliza Vanda herself!
Like the wonderful Mary Poppins, Eliza Vanda appears out of nowhere and magical things begin to happen. Milly Dynes is a lovely character, pondering being a big sister, and soon to be high school (intermediate in NZ) student. She’s worried about these changes, but also curious about the stranger in town, and still young enough to embrace the magic about to happen to her.
This story touches on fairytale, but is grounded with a local busybody, a chatty shopkeeper and a hard-working dad, who struggling to do all that needs doing. Milly has a guilty secret too, not knowing it could possibly cause a disaster. All these emotions, mixed with a creeping, cranky cat called Sultan, a button box (which many of us remember from our own childhoods) and simple travel spells, captured me quickly and kept me reading.
A lovely story for a good reader of 7 up, which would also be a great read-aloud for junior classes. Milly is the main character, but there is a key boy character too, appeasing boys in a classroom who think the pink cover is too girly for them.
May 18, 2021
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2831
Eliza Vanda's Button Box
Emily Rodda
When I was a little girl, I loved looking through my Nanna’s button collection. At one point she began to give my mother assorted buttons each time we visited; much later on I realised that Nanna knew she was dying of cancer and had begun divesting herself of objects. Perhaps they were special buttons, treasured for some memory they evoked of happier times. I’ll never know. Now I have my own modest button collection and I sometimes think of Nanna when I search through them to replace a missing shirt button.
The new story from award-winning Australian author Emily Rodda is all about buttons and the mysterious but kind woman who appears in Milly Dynes’ small village with her magical button collection.
Milly is in the midst of a spate of difficulties in her life, and meeting Eliza Vanda (or EV as she is known) and her companion Victor, takes her into a magical world in which she encounters witches, black jellybeans, a princess, a bewitched frog and a beautiful wedding dress.
It’s a gentle story with humour and compassion in equal parts, and allows younger readers to explore emotions such as sadness or anger in a safe context. Milly is a sweet and clever girl and EV and Victor quite complex characters; Milly quickly realises that things (and people) are not always entirely as they appear.
Eliza Vanda’s Button Box endows the humble button with a significance which I think is fully deserved, as I recall the pleasure I had in sorting through my Nanna’s button box all those years ago.
Eliza Vanda’s Button Box is published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in May 2021.
My thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
Eliza Vanda's Button Box
Emily Rodda
When I was a little girl, I loved looking through my Nanna’s button collection. At one point she began to give my mother assorted buttons each time we visited; much later on I realised that Nanna knew she was dying of cancer and had begun divesting herself of objects. Perhaps they were special buttons, treasured for some memory they evoked of happier times. I’ll never know. Now I have my own modest button collection and I sometimes think of Nanna when I search through them to replace a missing shirt button.
The new story from award-winning Australian author Emily Rodda is all about buttons and the mysterious but kind woman who appears in Milly Dynes’ small village with her magical button collection.
Milly is in the midst of a spate of difficulties in her life, and meeting Eliza Vanda (or EV as she is known) and her companion Victor, takes her into a magical world in which she encounters witches, black jellybeans, a princess, a bewitched frog and a beautiful wedding dress.
It’s a gentle story with humour and compassion in equal parts, and allows younger readers to explore emotions such as sadness or anger in a safe context. Milly is a sweet and clever girl and EV and Victor quite complex characters; Milly quickly realises that things (and people) are not always entirely as they appear.
Eliza Vanda’s Button Box endows the humble button with a significance which I think is fully deserved, as I recall the pleasure I had in sorting through my Nanna’s button box all those years ago.
Eliza Vanda’s Button Box is published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in May 2021.
My thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
July 14, 2021
Firstly what a gorgeously produced book. The hardcover is exquisitely coloured and designed. I was a bit sorry it wasn’t matched by coloured pictures on the inside. Milly Dynes is a lovely girl, going through a few challenges. So the intriguing new visitor staying in their holiday cabins is a welcome distraction. Milly quickly discovers that something magical is happening in the blue doored Breeze.
This story reminded me in a few ways of the Anna James Tilly and the Book Wanderers books. Travelling into different lands via the Button Box is a great plot. Perhaps the EV story lacks a little depth compared to it though - we don’t get quite enough detail on what EV’s role in the story is until right near the end - when she is described as the mender of problems in these lands... but the whys and some of the how’s are still left unexplained. Victor the mouse starts off being cold but does warm up as a character. I hope they return to Tidgy Bay. I’d like to see more stories with them all!
This story reminded me in a few ways of the Anna James Tilly and the Book Wanderers books. Travelling into different lands via the Button Box is a great plot. Perhaps the EV story lacks a little depth compared to it though - we don’t get quite enough detail on what EV’s role in the story is until right near the end - when she is described as the mender of problems in these lands... but the whys and some of the how’s are still left unexplained. Victor the mouse starts off being cold but does warm up as a character. I hope they return to Tidgy Bay. I’d like to see more stories with them all!
November 4, 2021
Eliza Vanda's sudden appearance on a rainy winter afternoon in the sleepy little coastal town of Tidgy Bay marks the beginning of an adventurous week for Milly, whose parent run the seaside cabins. It is a time of big changes for Milly who is almost finished with her final year of primary school, and has just become a big sister. Her mum is in hospital with the new baby and her dad is working all hours to convert the attic into Milly's new room, so the baby can have her current one. All these changes make Milly leave feeling a bit lost.
Eliza Vanda is a dressmaker and she has checked in to the cabins to make sure she can't be disturbed while she finishes an important commission - a beautiful wedding dress for a very demanding bride! Eliza Vanda is no ordinary dressmaker and when she asks Milly to run an errand for her Milly realises there is much more to the mystery of Eliza Vanda! Swept away to a strange new world with her new friend Victor (a boy who is sometimes a mouse) for guidance Milly has to rely on her own courage and brains to make sure everyone gets to go home again.
Eliza Vanda's Button Box fun fantasy from celebrated Australian author Emily Rodda who is best known for her Deltora Quest fantasy series (now celebrating its 21 years in publication!). Eliza Vanda's Button Box has the magic of Enid Blyton and a wonderful Australianess and warmth.
It is a perfect read for independent readers 8+ and would make a lovely bedtime story too.
Eliza Vanda is a dressmaker and she has checked in to the cabins to make sure she can't be disturbed while she finishes an important commission - a beautiful wedding dress for a very demanding bride! Eliza Vanda is no ordinary dressmaker and when she asks Milly to run an errand for her Milly realises there is much more to the mystery of Eliza Vanda! Swept away to a strange new world with her new friend Victor (a boy who is sometimes a mouse) for guidance Milly has to rely on her own courage and brains to make sure everyone gets to go home again.
Eliza Vanda's Button Box fun fantasy from celebrated Australian author Emily Rodda who is best known for her Deltora Quest fantasy series (now celebrating its 21 years in publication!). Eliza Vanda's Button Box has the magic of Enid Blyton and a wonderful Australianess and warmth.
It is a perfect read for independent readers 8+ and would make a lovely bedtime story too.
June 14, 2021
This is a fun, quick read about a mysterious woman arriving in a tiny sea-side town to change the life of Milly... and also finish sewing a dress for a princess.
It's a lovely little adventure.
The relationship between woman and girl reminded me a little of Madame Badobedah (also a great story).
I'd say for ages 8+, but would be fine for a read-aloud for 6/7+ who have the interest and attention span for longer books (eg reading a chapter or two a night).
It's a lovely little adventure.
The relationship between woman and girl reminded me a little of Madame Badobedah (also a great story).
I'd say for ages 8+, but would be fine for a read-aloud for 6/7+ who have the interest and attention span for longer books (eg reading a chapter or two a night).
December 5, 2025
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3.5
Themes / Representation:
Portal Fantasy
Small Town
A new fantasy adventure by the beloved Australian author Emily Rodda!
I’d only really read Rodda’s high fantasy for children like Landovel, Deltora Quest and the like, so it was fun to pick up something set mostly in the real world, but with a magical portal fantasy twist!
The story was very clever and whimsical, I loved the descriptions of Eliza Vanders button box, the incredible treasures inside and the details in the lush fantasy world.
I think there were a lot of good lessons for children in the book as well! Like managing your emotions, and don’t judge people based on looks.
Rating: 3.5
Themes / Representation:
Portal Fantasy
Small Town
A new fantasy adventure by the beloved Australian author Emily Rodda!
I’d only really read Rodda’s high fantasy for children like Landovel, Deltora Quest and the like, so it was fun to pick up something set mostly in the real world, but with a magical portal fantasy twist!
The story was very clever and whimsical, I loved the descriptions of Eliza Vanders button box, the incredible treasures inside and the details in the lush fantasy world.
I think there were a lot of good lessons for children in the book as well! Like managing your emotions, and don’t judge people based on looks.
November 14, 2021
A beautifully told ‘fantasy-cum- contemporary real life’ crossover book.
Milly, the central character, grows satisfactorily in the book, gaining courage and maturity.
Eliza Vanda and Victor are secondary characters whose personalities are well presented.
The settings, alternating between a seaside hamlet and fantasy realms, are beautifully described so that the reader can visualise being there.
As with all Emily Rodda novels, the surprise ending is a happy resolution.
Recommended for children from aged 9 and adults who enjoy reading Middle Grade Fiction.
Milly, the central character, grows satisfactorily in the book, gaining courage and maturity.
Eliza Vanda and Victor are secondary characters whose personalities are well presented.
The settings, alternating between a seaside hamlet and fantasy realms, are beautifully described so that the reader can visualise being there.
As with all Emily Rodda novels, the surprise ending is a happy resolution.
Recommended for children from aged 9 and adults who enjoy reading Middle Grade Fiction.
November 15, 2021
This is a sweet, lighthearted book filled with magic, love and family. I've been reading a lot of dark books lately and this was like a breath of fresh air for me. I love Emily Rodda and I was introduced to this author when I read I am Walter ( another amazing book ). This is a bit different to the authors other books that I've read, but I welcomed the change and really enjoyed the book. If I'm being honest the plot was a little predictable but all together I thing this is a good fantasy read for anyone of any age.
July 14, 2021
I absolutely adored Eliza Vanda's Button Box! So charming and magical - a great middle grade story. Not only was the story entertaining, but I felt that it grappled with the theme of 'change' (transitioning to high school, welcoming a new family member, etc) in a really wonderfully, accessible way for young readers. Well worth the read, and the hardcover is just stunning!
July 20, 2021
I love Emily Rodda's writing. She really understands how to craft and tell a good story, and this one is no exception. It's a charming story for a slightly younger readership than she usually aims for, although she doesn't talk down to her audience, making it an engaging read. If you like Enid Blyton Wishing Chair or Magic Faraway Tree stories, you'll love this book.
January 16, 2025
I loved Emily Rodda's books when I was a kid, so when I saw this in a free book pile I had to grab it!
It is such a fun story full of magic realism.
As an adult it took me a day to read but I think I would have read it in a day as a kid as well.
It's really nice to read books that speak to your inner child.
It is such a fun story full of magic realism.
As an adult it took me a day to read but I think I would have read it in a day as a kid as well.
It's really nice to read books that speak to your inner child.
June 10, 2023
Good gentle story for kids - not to deep, few twists and turns, as an adult I really enjoyed the main character and how she grew more confident through the story - would highly recommend this book for it audience.
February 13, 2024
Her Dad calls her Millie-mouse, because she is quiet and unsure of herself. But dealing with a new arrival in town, soon changes things. Millie discovers that she is clever, resourceful, and can face all the changes in her own world with confidence.
March 30, 2024
I read this aloud to my 6 year old daughter and we devoured it! It warms my heart that she loves Emily Rodda just as much as I did as a child (and still do). Another magical tale from a master storyteller.
May 14, 2025
What a cute story! I loved the message and the fun characters. It wasn't terribly complicated or as developed as some of her other books, but for a sweet story for 5-10 year olds? perfect. And I took away some things too 🙂
May 31, 2021
ARC Read : May 2021 / 3 stars
June 6, 2021
Another enthralling work of art by Emily Rodda! We all need a Mary Poppins style heroine like Eliza Vanda to sweep into our dreary lives and help us to realise our full potential.
June 9, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
June 28, 2021
This is in an utterly adorable and fantastic fantasy/adventure read. It's a really sweet book about adapting to change and helping others. I loved it!
- Read by Indy
- Read by Indy
June 28, 2021
A gorgeous, magical story by Emily Rodda. I read this in two sittings - it's hard to put down.
July 5, 2021
This book was sweet and magical and left me in tears - happy, wholesome tears.
July 26, 2021
A delightful story for middle primary readers. Great pace , fun and so entertaining especially for those of us who loved playing with their grandmas button tin
August 19, 2021
This is such a sweet, powerful middle grade book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews