Written by Liz Kessler
Illustrated by Natacha Ledwidge
The fifth book in the beguiling Emily Winthrop series plunges readers into the mysterious world of a deeply distressed Neptune. The Lord of the Oceans is disturbed by nightmares. And it is not just nightmares, he explains to Emily and Aaron. “Every night in my sleep, I have been plagued by terrors, by images, feelings.” His feelings affect the terrestrial weather patterns, creating short-lived, but violent storms. What disturbs him more though, is an absolute certainty that he is experiencing not dreams, but memories. Old memories are awakening again, bringing warnings of impending disaster, he explains. The Ocean Lord seeks help from the half-human, half-mer Emily and Aaron.
After some debate they agree, convincing themselves and their parents that this is an all-paid-for vacation to accomplish an easy task. But what begins simply becomes dangerous and very, very complicated. In the frozen north, Emily and Aaron discover mysterious crystals, and frozen statues that appear to be reawakening. Young readers will enjoy the challenge of figuring out the path through the many twists and turns the story takes. Nothing is what it seems to be. Who is friend and who is foe? A narwhal turns out to be a loyal friend, and Neptune’s trusted advisor may not be worthy of his trust after all.
Many reading activities can be created around the issues of trust, loyalty and friendship that are so simply presented. Above all the story is a great adventure yarn for 3rd graders. This book, and the whole Emily Windsnap series, would be a worthwhile addition to any reading list.
Additional Resources:
About Arctic Norway: http://www.visitnorway.com/us/What-to-do/Attractions-Culture/Nature-attractions/Arctic-Norway-is-the-kingdom-of-light/
Author Website: http://www.lizkessler.co.uk/
The Life of a Glacier: http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/life-glacier.html
Title: Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun- Author: Liz Kessler
- Illustrator: Natacha Ledwidge
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
- Reviewer: Anjali Amit
- Hardback: 272 pages
- ISBN: 978-0-7636-5824-3
- Genre: Fiction/Novels
- Lexile Score: 740
