The Paper Museum by Kate S. Simpson

Lydia’s family are responsible for the protection and curation of items from the ‘past’ associated with paper. The world has changed, and everyone utilises technology rather than relying on writing, books and printed materials. In combination with their curatorial responsibilities at the Paper Museum, they also have a magical connection to an unusual essence that empowers their community and restores it to equilibrium. Lydia has had her own equilibrium unsettled when her parents disappeared and it seems that the supportive curator, Uncle Lem, has also gone missing. Another Uncle has been tasked with her care, but he is far from caring. The Mayor seems intent on taking over the Museum, and without her parents and Uncle Lem to support her, Lydia must use all her ingenuity to solve the mystery of their absence and prevent the Museum from being closed or acquired. Firstly, she must restore a friendship, find out who she can trust, and find the magical book that seems to hold the answer to where her parents have gone.

This is a quite charming journey into a magical zone, and the esteem placed on the written and published word is part of the magic. With a quite compelling mystery to be solved, and intriguing characters living at a time when conventions and expectations have altered, there is a captivating reading adventure ahead for young readers. Written for children (recommended for 9-14 year-olds), there is much for them to enjoy, some moments of humour as well as unsettling scenarios in a world tinged with magical influences. The central character Lydia must be resourceful and an independent thinker, and her problem-solving strategies are part of the delight of this book.

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Museums, Libraries, family.

Carolyn Hull