Strangeworlds Travel Agency

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Flick has recently moved to a new house in Little Wyverns with her parents and new baby brother, Freddy. Whilst exploring the village, she comes across a tiny, squashed-looking shop called The Strangeworlds Travel Agency. She finds herself invited to become a member of The Strangeworlds Society and is amazed to discover that each of the suitcases on display in the shop leads to another world. With Jonathan Mercator, Head Custodian, Flick is able to use the cases to explore the multiverse. But everything is not quite as it seems…

I loved this book so much! The idea of travelling through suitcases to lots of different worlds is so appealing and the story is fresh and exciting! Lapinski’s world building is second to none and each location fizzes with life and detail. There is much still to learn about this multiverse and its inhabitants and hopefully, there will be more adventures for Flick as she explores different worlds and Jonathan continues his search for his father.

Flick and Jonathan are wonderful characters- very different, but each well rounded. Jonathan neglects to tell Flick the whole truth, leading to trouble, but friendship wins through in the end and these two make a team to be reckoned with. Nicc is another appealing character, resilient and daring.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is an excellent read, full of magic and adventure. This is a must read to share with my class as soon as I can. Top marks for this one!

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Edge of the Ocean

When an urgent summons arrives from the world of The Break, Flick and Jonathan leap into action- and the right suitcase- and go to offer assistance. Pirate Queen Nife, her crew and all the other people and creatures who live there are in grave danger as their world is shrinking. Somehow, Jonathan and Flick must find a way to sail ships and squeeze giant mer-people through a suitcase to save them- before it’s too late.

Here at JAB HQ, we adored the first book in this series so much and have thoroughly enjoyed introducing our classes to this amazing world and its characters. ‘The Edge of the World’ is no disappointment, being every bit as exciting and magical as the first.

Flick is now a fully-fledged Strangeworlds Travel Agency member and comes into her own in this adventure, taking the lead as Jonathan battles with his emotions after some news about his father. Her initial distrust and jealousy of Avery, Jonathan’s cousin, who joins them on this adventure, quickly develops beyond bickering and together, the three make a formidable team. Jonathan’s duel with Captain Burnish is wonderful, adding humour as well as action.

A sense of impending danger is maintained throughout this story, keeping a tight feeling of suspense and tension. It is not clear whether they will be able to save all the inhabitants of this world and Flick experiences real personal conflict about the possibility of leaving some behind. It is wonderful to see her triumph. The importance of friendship, family and support is woven through the story, but is so poignant when Flick needs it most.

The concept of the travel agency and its suitcases is an absolute gift to teachers looking to inspire children to write. It offers the perfect framework for a voyage and return story where the most magical and creative worlds can be invented while writing additional adventures. Children (and adults!) love these stories and the worlds they inhabit!

This second visit to The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, ‘The Edge of the Ocean’, is every bit as enjoyable as the first, offering a compelling, exciting adventure. Can’t wait for the next one!

You can read my review of ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ in the main reviews section.