The Wizard Of Rondo [Hardcover]

Emily Rodda (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Rondo

From best-selling author Emily Rodda comes a second stirring adventure for cousins Mimi and Leo in Rondo, the music-box world.

When Leo Zifkak inherited an antique music box from his stuffy great-aunt, he never expected that it might hide a wondrous secret. The music box is the portal to a new world, Rondo.

Leo's first visit to Rondo was to rescue his cousin, Mimi, and he almost lost his life. On his second visit, something much more important is at stake - his soul. There's a wizard missing and an innocent young man accused of his death. If Leo and Mimi are to right this wrong, they're going to have to risk everything...

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—In the week that has passed since The Key to Rondo (Scholastic, 2008) took place, Leo Zifkak has been carefully studying the music box that contains the world of Rondo, searching for signs of his troublemaking Uncle Spoiler. When the paintings on the outside of the box show evidence that the evil Blue Queen is up to something, Leo and his impulsive cousin Mimi decide that it's time for them to return to Rondo. Once there, they are reunited with their friends Conker, Freda the duck, and Bertha the pig, and are sidetracked by a quest to determine the whereabouts of Bing, a wizard who vanished from the village of Hobnob. The appearance of a cloud palace over Hobnob appears to indicate that the wizard was taken by the Strix, an ancient being that "collects" unusual creatures. All this is a lot to take in, and the story tends to meander. However, Rodda makes up for it in the denizens of Rondo, who are instantly charming and display a variety of quirks, foibles, and virtues. Fans of Cornelia Funke's work will eagerly embrace this fairy-tale-laced world.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO
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About the Author

Emily Roda has won Australia's Children's Book of the Year Award five times, and is a stateside bestseller with her Deltora Quest, Deltora Shadowlands, and Dragons of Deltora series. The first book in the Rondo series received two starred reviews.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545115167
• ISBN-13: 978-0545115162
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, March 21, 2010

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wizard Of Rondo (Hardcover)

Gold Star Award Winner!

After discovering the key to Rondo, Leo and Mimi must continue to visit the magical land painted on the outside of the music box. If they don't, the Blue Queen will learn they tricked her.

Though they have to return, they're determined not to become involved in the goings on of Rondo. Unfortunately, they're drawn into a quest that risks not only their lives, but also the entire fate of the land.

The Wizard Bing has vanished and his assistant, Simon, is accused of murdering him. Simon's mother pleads for help. Leo, Mimi, and their quest companions set out to solve the mystery, and end up in terrible danger when they suspect the Ancient One of taking Bing.

I loved THE WIZARD OF RONDO! This is a great series for young and old alike. Rodda's imagination knows no limits. I can't wait to read more and hope the next book in the series isn't long in coming!

Reviewed by: Joan Stradling

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for grades 6-8, March 20, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wizard Of Rondo (Hardcover)

Emily Rodda's The Wizard of Rondo tells of Leo Zifkak, who is afraid of a music box's alluring world that calls to him only when its key is wound four times. Leo and his cousin's visit to Rondo nearly killed them - now they have to go back to save their friends and face a new evil after their very souls in this compelling thriller, perfect for grades 6-8.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Wizard of Rondo, December 5, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Wizard Of Rondo (Hardcover)

I am disappointed. The first book was amazing; I loved it. This one was freaky and retarded, in my opinion. It felt like nothing really happened.

I say this is a failure but for some reason I like it.