Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

By: Karen Foxlee

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

This is the story of unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard who doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room.

He is a prisoner of Her Majesty, the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairy-tale about the power of friendship, courage, and love, and never ever giving up.

©2014 Karen Foxlee (P)2014 Listening Library

Critic reviews

Starred Review, Kirkus, November 1, 2013:
"A well-wrought, poignant and original reworking of Andersen’s 'The Snow Queen.'"

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, November 11, 2013:
"Foxlee's writing is elegant and accessible, with a pervading melancholy... this story shines."

Starred Review, Booklist, December 15, 2013:
"This clever story-within-a-story reads easily yet offers deep lessons about trust, responsibility, and friendship.”

The Horn Book, January/February 2014:
"Foxlee’s deftness with characterization and setting also makes this a satisfying fantasy."


From the Hardcover edition.

“Magic is “messy and dangerous and filled with longing”, we learn in this brave tale of grief, villainy, and redemption that borrows from the story of the Snow Queen. Set in a vast, chilly museum, the tale brings together a valiant girl, a charmed boy, a magical sword and a clock ticking down to the end of the world." (The Wall Street Journal)

Lovely story, perfectly read

This is a truly beautiful story, a wonderful modern fairy tale. And it was read perfectly. The themes are heavy and melancholy, primarily dealing with loss, death and grief. But it was marvelously handled and easily accessible to the 2nd grader listening with me. And, in the end (and throughout), it was ultimately hopeful and empowering. We both loved every minute of it!

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

9 year old: Loved it. Very good.
7 year old: it was really dark and scary and had a lot of adventure.

Excellent

Very well read. One of the best narrators I have heard. Terrific story, even for older guy like me. Highly recommended.

A Beautiful Take On The Genre

Would you listen to Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy again? Why?

Most certainly. If I ever have children I will defiantly read this to them/

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a fresh take on the fairy tale genre and it was nice to have a strong female lead character. I highly recommend this book.

Great kids adventure

If you could sum up Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy in three words, what would they be?

magical exciting adventure

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ophelia, of course - she's the heroine

Which character – as performed by Jayne Entwistle – was your favorite?

Jayne did all the characters very well (one of the reasons the story is so good).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All the times Ophelia pushed past her fears to do what was right.

Any additional comments?

Jayne Entwistle is a great narrator, always making her characters come alive. In this book especially, she makes you root for the children (Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy) during their adventures.

Great book

The best book I ever read! This author is the best in the world! I really want to read another one of her books!