Lauren Oliver

H. C. Chester

The book is about, among other things: the strongest boy in the world, a talking cockatoo, a faulty mind reader, a beautiful bearded lady and a nervous magician, an old museum, and a shrunken head. Blessed with extraordinary abilities, orphans Philippa, Sam, and Thomas have grown up happily in Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. But when a fourth child, Max, a knife-thrower, joins the group, it sets off an unforgettable chain of events. When the museum's Amazonian shrunken head is stolen, the four are determined to get it back. But their search leads them to a series of murders and an explosive secret about their pasts. This sensational new series combines the unparalleled storytelling gifts of Lauren Oliver with the rich knowledge of the notorious relics collector H. C. Chester. What you will find in this book: A rather attractive bearded lady Several scandalous murders A deliciously disgusting Amazonian shrunken head Four extraordinary children with equally extraordinary abilities A quite loquacious talking bird What you will NOT find in this book: An accountant named Seymour A never-ending line at the post office Brussels sprouts (shudder) A lecture on finishing all your homework on time A sweet, gooey story for nice little girls and boys

Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head

mighty dragon 

I love middle grade story with murders in it! The theme extraordinary-freaks-circus kind of children had been adopted a lot of times (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar, as other example) but I've never getting bored with it. It's always fun to read about them and their abilities. This book was really fun!

Steysha

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages: welcome to Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders!




Oh, what an adventure! I haven`t read children's literature in a long time, though many things happening in this book can`t be called childish. It`s quite suitable for adults - the main characters might be children, but the events that occur in their life are definitely severe. I had goose bumps from the description of the hanged man!

This story reminded me a bit of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children - extraordinary kids, illustrations... Speaking of which, I was so delighted with the pictures! But I would also like to have more of them. Perhaps the best are left for the continuation of the series.



The book itself is very atmospheric - I fell in love Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders! And, of course, the main characters are very impressive – The Fantastic Four: Thomas, Sam, Max and Pippa. Unfortunately, I cannot say that it was unputtable and that I read it in one setting, but I think it`s just me. Recently, I`ve read only YA books, and it was unusual to stand in children`s shoes – probably that`s the problem.

I was able to guess who’s the main killer, but the twist at the end of the book -- that was unexpected! A lot was left unsaid about the kids’ story, so I look forward to the second part, which will open the veil of truth.



So, let's get acquainted with the protagonists: Thomas – a boy without bones who can bend in all directions and fit in a matchbox. Pippa - a psychic, and even though her ability hasn`t fully developed yet, the content of your pockets won`t be a secret for her. Sam - a modest boy with immodest force, a relative of Samson (just kidding, they are not related by blood), he can easily destroy a mountain with his fist... or to break into someone`s property – that`s more practical. Finally, Max – a knife-thrower – the last one who joined the team, thereby collecting four children together.

Since then, there happened to be a series of incredible events. It all started with Mr. Dumfrey - the owner of this circus of freaks - acquiring a shrunken head, which became the highlight of his collection. After it trumpets through the entire city, Dumfrey sets a show with children and other members of the museum - such as the fattest lady in the world, an alligator-boy, a magician and many others - and demonstrates the unfortunate head.



The performance was attended by a journalist, whose articles soon glorified the museum and attracted a big amount of visitors to it, but the thing is - the head brought it into disrepute. One of the spectators had died after the show, and all at once it was decided that it happened because of the curse of the shrunken head. However, it did not stop people from visiting the museum - quite the contrary!

So, one night someone sneaks into the museum... and steal the head! Everyone was in despair - the museum needed money, but they couldn`t earn them without the main item of their collection. Fearing the threat of life on the streets or in shelters, children take up their own investigation, which will lead them to a very unexpected ending. They will have to show courage and ingenuity and, most importantly, they will have to unite for the common good - because kids are so different and are much better at quarreling than in friendship.



I admit that some chapters made me shudder: in some they had to go to the crime scenes and see the corpses, or visit the morgue to find some clues. True, it was specified in the summary - you will NOT find in this book a sweet, gooey story for nice little girls and boys. But these moments have added poignancy to the mystery and made me eager to read more.

I also need to add that the kids in this book are quite extraordinary - not only because of their miraculous abilities, but also because of their personalities. They had to go through the ordeals, but they never whined, and always were looking for a way out. Max represents a troubled child who grew up on the streets. She has no manners, likes to steal for fun, but still attracts us with her sincerity and defiant behavior. Pippa is the most sensible and educated in their team – my little grammar nazi - you just can`t help but like her! Thomas is a dashing adventurer and the leader of the team aka the engine of their progress. And, of course, Sam – the quietest and the calmest of them all. He speaks only when it`s truly needed and mostly prefers to listen. It was funny to read about his relationships with Max - opposites attract!



Well, I guess it`s time for me to stop. This book is worth your attention: it exceptional, mysterious, adventures and full of funny moments! Thank you, Lauren Oliver and H.G.Chester!

Jessica Nottingham

Let it be known that I can't resist a middle grade book at the best of times, but if it's by Lauren Oliver there's no question it will end up on my reading list! She charmed me with Liesl & Po, made me shiver with The Spindlers, and left no doubt in my mind that I'd pick up any middle grade book she puts forth. There are certain authors who just understand what a book for this age group needs. A pinch of madness, a few drops of magic, some interesting history, and the type of characters who steal your heart before you even know it's gone. This book is all of that, and it's wonderful.
 
Charming, is probably the best word to describe Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head. Honestly, it's hard not to smile as you read the first few pages. Pippa, Sam, Thomas and Max are quite the cast of characters. Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders is a setting all its own. Add in a smattering of 1930's history, and you have the perfect stage for a wonderful story. I'll warn you now that this story is a bit on the darker side. Think Lemony Snicket. Bad things happen to good people, good things happen to bad people, and sometimes it's a little gruesome. Still, at the end of the day we all know how things wrap up. These are my favorite kinds of stories. The kind that doesn't shy away from the darker parts of life, but embraces them as truth.
 
Am I rambling? Probably! I don't want to spoil anything, because this book is just so much fun! The mystery is probably the best part of this whole package. As if our plucky and talented young characters weren't amazing enough on their own, this story pits them against one heck of a mystery. When the prized possession of Dumfrey's goes missing, and all the people involved start to die in mysterious ways, what do you do? If you're Pippa, Sam, Thomas and Max you set off on an adventure to figure out what's going on. Possibly putting yourself in mortal danger at the same time.
 
This is a great story. Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head is completely charming from the writing on the page, to the stunning illustrations, and it will definitely make you want to come back for more. What are you waiting for? Go add this to your reading list. It's definitely worth your time.

Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head

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