Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Recommended
Level: Elementary

Molly just wants to be like other ten-year-old girls. This can be a challenge when your mother gathers herbs and makes mysterious potions. Something very bizarre happens and Molly feels more different from others than ever before. She does not want to tell anyone what is happening because she is afraid that they will just think she is weird. She decides that she will confide in Pim Wilder. He is the oddest boy in her class. Together they set out on an adventure to solve the unsolvable and learn that sometimes it is okay to stand out. I would recommend this for any collection. ( )

This is, to quote Rebecca Stead's cover comments, a magical book. It is magical, way beyond its fantasy elements. It is a magical delight. Molly is a conflicted young girl, wishing for a 'normal' mother yet loving her mother. Her best friend Ellen lives this so-called normal life, yet she is fascinated by Pim, who follows his own path. When her life is turned upside-down, the friendships of Ellen and Pim help her through it. The friendship component is lyrical. A very, very special read. ( )

Molly is ashamed and embraced by strange life she and her mama lead. She wants to be just like her best friend Emma and lead a normal life. She isn't interested in her mamas quiet wisdom about plants and solving problems, not until her mama isn't there any more. Molly then discovers that what she thinks she wants isn't really what she needs. All of a sudden she must look after herself, figure out how to get her muma back. A lovely heart warming book, set in current Australia. That describes how all relationships are different and valuable and can change as you do. Lots of gentle wisdom. Some very well written characters especially the animals :)