For MMGM a review of Lost Evangeline (The Norendy Tales) by Kate DiCamillo , illustrations by Sophie Blackall

Lost Evangeline A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie 

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format Read:  Ebook
Number of pages:   160 pages
Published:  January 1st, 2025 and hardcover releasing 9/30/25
Source:  Edelweiss +

Opening Lines: "There was once a boy who longed to go to the sea."

One day, a cobbler finds a child as small as a mouse in an old boot.  The shoemaker's wife fears that this is a mistake, a magic gone wrong to take the young girl, but the shoemaker doesn't listen and names the young girl Evangeline, vowing to raise her as their own.  As the years pass, Evangeline grows older, but never taller in size.  The shoemaker's wife begins to become increasingly worried as the two are always side by side, dreaming of one day going to the sea and exploring distant places.   The wife tries various means to separate her husband and Evangeline.  Eventually even doing the unthinkable, selling her to Mrs. Pennith-Smith.  Now far from her adopted father, Evangeline is determined to find her way back to him.  And once the shoemaker finds out what his wife has done, he in turn searches for her too.  

Lost Evangeline is the third book in the Norendy tales, which includes The Puppets of Spellhorst and The Hotel Balzaar. It's a story filled with wonder, love, dreams and determination. Evangeline is a very resourceful and brave young girl.  Not only does she sneak away at night, she's going out into the dark and unknown.  And who does she encounter first but a "huge, marmalade colored cat." Yikes!  Evangeline has many adventures while searching for her father and is put into quite a few precarious situations.  At one point she is even imprisoned in a cage by an unscrupulous man who wants her to perform in his oddities and curiosity show.  Yet, she never seems to get down during these moments.  Instead she begins to tell stories and sings to the people and animals that she encounters, emboldening them to overcome their own fears or misgivings, and to search out their own dreams.  The CODA  finds Evangeline and the shoemaker sailing upon separate ships, which felt incomplete to me.  It made me sad but also hopeful with them both having lit lamps at their side.  As if they'd search for each other forever.  The story includes wonderful black and white illustrations by Sophie Blackall.  Read this if you enjoy Kate DiCamillo's books or if you're looking for a unique fairytale. 

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE