The Gift of the Quoxxel by Richard Titus ~ a #KidLit Review

by MK French

King Norr would like to leave the idyllic world he lives in, determined to experience life at the fullest. He has adventures and encounters mysterious figures throughout his journey.

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March 2018; Voyages Imaginaires
ebook (190 pages); middle grades, humor

There are silly names and exclamations aplenty in this book, along with more sophisticated words, which would place it at about the middle grades of children's books. There are doodles and designs between chapters that are cute and give a little bit of a visual to the silly things in the book. Palace servants are trained animals, after all, and Doctor Hinkus is the most learned man on the island, inventing things like telescopes and hammocks. The island of Nibb is rather isolationist, as prior royal generations felt there was nothing worthwhile outside the island, and that everything they need is on it. It's certainly a lighthearted place, and mysteries are looked upon favorably as fun experiences to liven up the everyday life on the island.

The pirates inject a bit of our world into the silliness of the novel and give the opportunity for more puns and alliteration. Pearl tells a lot of stories interspersed throughout the book, and when Bink isn't able to say that he likes them, Pearl assures him that he will. The stories seem to add the adventures in the summary because it doesn't feel as though King Norr actually experiences many adventures. The search for adventure is definitely a feeling that many readers would appreciate.

I think the book veered too far into the silly for me, and I couldn't really connect to a lot of it. It really isn't my kind of humor, but I'm sure it'll fit someone.

Buy The Gift of the Quoxxel at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever. 

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