Adventure, friendship, and magical realism come together in this
heartwarming, whimsical story. Perfect for fans of A Snicker of Magic
and The Penderwicks.
When Oona Britt was born in the magical town of Nordlor, where all of
the homes are built from wrecked ships, her parents never expected her
to be a girl. Having listened to a faulty prediction from a washed-up
soothsayer, they were promised a bold and brave son, so as the youngest
of seven sisters, Oona's birth became a disappointment -- especially to
her sea captain father, who doesn't believe there's a place for girls
aboard ships.
But Oona is different from the rest of her family. She longs for
adventure and knowledge. So she steals aboard her father's ship just as
he's about to set sail for his annual winter whale hunt, and suddenly
finds herself in the midst of a grand adventure! The ship has its own
sea cat, Barnacles, and a navigator named Haroyld, who show Oona how to
follow the stars. But for all that, Oona's father is furious. Can she
prove to him that she's worth his love and pride, even though she's not
the bold and brave son he was promised?
This follow-up to The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker carries just as
much heart and charm as Matilda Woods's first novel. The characters,
story, and illustrations will dazzle readers.
Praise for The Girl Who Sailed the Stars
* Woods's intoxicating mix of whimsical details and taut adventure will
keep [readers] enrapt. --Booklist, starred review
A richly imaginative fantasy that brings to mind Joan Aiken's Wolves
Chronicles with a dash of Roald Dahl . . . Strong world-building joins
lyrical prose and a fine leavening of humor, adventure, and magic, to
make a winning combination. --SLJ
Praise for The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker
* Woods has penned a gentle fable, one rich in hope that promotes the
strength of kindness. Her magical realism nods to the like of Isabel
Allende and Gabriel García Márquez, perfectly tailoring the genre for a
middle-grade audience. Anuska Allepuz's whimsical illustrations add to
the magical feel. Sweet, earnest and not to be missed. --Shelf
Awareness, starred review
* Elegantly told from start to finish and enhanced by Allepuz's
evocative images and decorations, debut author Woods has created a fairy
tale that will linger with readers. --Publishers Weekly, starred
review
* This uplifting book will enthrall readers, enveloping them in its
gentle charm. --Booklist, starred review
