The 113th assistant librarian by Stuart Wilson

For Oliver Wormwood the calling to a profession in his magical world is layered with uncertainty and the pressures of family expectations. His anxiety does not easily disappear once he takes on the role as 113th Library Assistant, and then almost immediately replaces the Librarian in difficult circumstances. This Library is not a boring, quiet place of dust and dullness, but it contains the wonders and dangers of knowledge. And some of this knowledge is extremely dangerous. Oliver finds a new friend, some helpful cats and eventually works out ways to protect the library from threats internal and external. 

This is a wonderful, whimsical, magical, radical and risky adventure that will appeal to all who love libraries and the treasures hidden within. There are magical elements, coming-to-maturity moments, overcoming fear and threat, and the wonders of a world that is a mystery. I loved this joyful step inside a different world and will be looking forward to another library adventure from Stuart Wilson with Oliver Wormwood as Librarian,  restricting, cataloguing and controlling the books and those who seek to exploit knowledge.  This is the kind of book that fantasy and book lovers will appreciate. For avid readers aged 9-14 this will be a loved journey of discovery.  It has a few elements of the Harry Potter sorting hats, but the location in the world of words and books is a different kind of magic.

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Libraries, Librarians, Families.

Carolyn Hull