The Mystery Of The Cupboard (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Indian in the Cupboard) [School & Library Binding]

Lynne R. Banks (Author), Tom Newsom (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1994 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Indian in the Cupboard

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. After the family moves to the country to a house recently inherited by his mother, Omri finds many secrets revealed to him when he accidentally discovers the link between the house and the magic cupboard.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this latest installment in the award-winning Indian in the Cupboard series, Omri's fascination with the little people of the cupboard has matured into an obsession with discovering the origin of their life-giving magic. With the help of his great-aunt's hidden diary and a meeting with an elderly roof-thatcher, Omri is able to piece together his own family's history--one that gave rise to the wondrous events of the last few years. In the process he takes a big risk in allowing the secret to be disclosed to an adult. Relying much less on the sheer derring-do typical of earlier episodes, Banks takes an introspective turn here, weaving a more adult story of disappointment and heartbreak into Omri's ever-widening understanding of the cupboard's mystery. Banks's series has grown up, and though some readers may miss the magical Peter Pan-like world of earlier installments, these rich, well-rounded characters speak eloquently and entertainingly within a polished mystery structure. While observing the parameters of a series, Banks demonstrates an impressive versatility, never swerving from her trademark disarming candor and unaffected yet elegant style. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6--Indian in the Cupboard (Doubleday, 1985) fans, rejoice! Here's another in the series, and it will appeal most to those familiar with the characters and events in the earlier books. When a distant relative dies, leaving Omri's mother an old farmhouse, the whole family moves to the country. As old thatch is removed in preparation for reroofing, Omri finds a notebook written by "wicked" great-great-Aunt Jessica as she lay dying, which reveals the secret of the cupboard, and how and why it, and its magic, came into being. New little people are introduced, and once again, Omri learns the folly--and danger--of playing with people's lives. Little Bear and Bright Stars, main characters from the previous books, make their appearance only on the last page, when the boy's father is let in on the secret. "From now on, thought Omri, whatever happens--and plenty will--Dad's in on it. Which is bound to make things . . . very, very complicated." One has to wonder if he will allow the adventures to continue. --Li Stark, North Castle Public Library, Armonk, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 256 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785737626
• ISBN-13: 978-0785737629
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,815,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lynne Reid Banks is a best-selling author for children and adults. Her classic children's novel 'The Indian in the Cupboard' has sold nearly six million copies worldwide. She was born in London in 1929 and worked as an actress, writer and TV news reporter. Lynne has written thirty books: her first, 'The L-Shaped Room', was published in 1960. She now lives in Dorset, where she continues to write. Lynne says that writing for children comes much more easily than writing for adults. Tony Ross was born in London in 1938. He has worked as an art director at an advertising agency, a graphic designer, a cartoonist, a teacher, a film maker and as a Senior Lecturer in Art at Manchester Polytechnic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Book for Kids of All Ages, April 13, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Mystery of the Cupboard (Avon Camelot Books) (Paperback)

The Mystery of the Cupboard is one of the many sequels to the fabulous The Indian in the Cupboard. Omri, the main character, has moved into an Indian longhouse. When Thatcher's come to redo the roof, Omri finds a box and a diary. He reads it. It is about Jessica Charlotte, his Great-Great Aunt. She writes about her experiences, and she knew the secret of the cupboard.

Omri learns a very important lesson: Do not steal because you feel sorry for yourself. Jessica Charlotte does this, and the results are not good.

With a key that can unlock lots of locks, a thatcher with a secret, a person of whom The Secret of the Cupboard is revealed to, and two terrible injuries that result in one death, this book is a great read.

It takes about two and a half weeks to read, and is a great book. You always want to turn the page! But, if you haven't read The Indian in the Cupboard, you should do it first, or else this great book by Lynne Reid Banks won't make sense. Also, for more adventures with Omri, buy The Key to the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, The Return of the Indian, and The Indian in the Cupboard.

By Sammy K.

4th Grade

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Sequel to a Fabulous Book by Sammy K, January 14, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Mystery of the Cupboard (Hardcover)

The Mystery of the Cupboard is one of the many sequels to the fabulous The Indian in the Cupboard. Omri, the main character, has moved into an Indian longhouse. When thatchers come to redo the roof, Omri finds a box and a diary. He reads it. It is about Jessica Charlotte, his Great-Great Aunt. She writes about her experiences, and she knew the secret of the cupboard.

With a key that can unlock lots of locks, a thatcher with a secret, a person of whom The Secret of the Cupboard is revealed to, and two terrible injuries that result in one death, this book is a great read.

It takes about two and a half weeks to read, and is a great book. You always want to turn the page! But, if you haven't read The Indian in the Cupboard, you should do it first, or else this great book by Lynne Reid Banks won't make sense.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It all started with the "Indian in the Cupboard", July 9, 2010

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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mystery of the Cupboard (Avon Camelot Books) (Paperback)

My nephews love this series. This is just one more book that offers them hours of reading enjoyment. Be sure to start with the first book, "The Indian in the Cupboard". That will get them hooked on reading (whether you read it to them or let them read it by themselves).