David over at What’s Good to Read has ‘nabbed’ himself an advanced copy of Jenny Moore’s latest middle grade, The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb;
A botched bread roll robbery spells trouble for Victorian sewer scamp, Nicholas Nabb—big trouble. But when a mysterious veiled widow, Annie, steps in to save him, it looks like his luck might finally be changing. Only Annie vanishes before they can become properly acquainted, leaving Nick with nothing but questions. Who is the lady behind the black veil? Why does she seem determined to help him? And, most importantly of all, where is she now? Nick will stop at nothing to find out.
Maverick Books are an independent publisher of children’s books with picture books, early readers, junior fiction and middle grade readers in their catalogue, so there is something for all children up to the ages of 12 (and beyond as reading has no minimum or maximum age restrictions – just guidance for suitable ages and ability). For this review I have read a title from Maverick’s expanding Middle Grade range, which is suitable for children aged 9-12 and upwards. The book I read was the wonderful and exciting action-adventure story set in Victorian-era London, The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb by Jenny Moore.
Jenny Moore is the writer of some fantastic children’s chapter book stories suitable for ages 9-12 years and upwards, featuring time travelling portaloos, angry robot clones and even one where Mummy was caught kissing Santa Claus! All her books have humour, adventure and are fun to read. In The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb the author travels back to Victorian London with a homeless child that lives in the sewers beneath the dirty London streets, exploring a darker theme (think of Oliver Twist) but with humour, rats, secrets and a circus.
I loved reading about Nicholas Nabb and his (mis)adventures around London and his dealings with the police, circus, reform school and one grumpy lady that loves to use her handbag as a weapon. Set in Victorian London the book has a Dickens-type of feel to it and Nick is very reminiscent of Oliver Twist.
Throughout the books 240 pages it is packed with humour, adventure, secrets, rats and wrongdoers.
The story of Nick and his quest to unveil the secrets of Annie, whilst looking for his friend that he met at the theatre, is fun to read and travels along at an exciting and fast pace. The book touches on darker themes of Victorian London such as cruelty, poverty and exploitation but does so with humour whilst still showing the gravity of the situation (but shouldn’t really scare younger readers).
The story is written very well, with Victorian London represented well with the orphanage, reform school, circus and sewers with their rats. It all seems to have been very well researched to make a credible story. The characters, good and bad, are all excellent, especially Nick the stinking bread thief with a big heart, the secretive Anne and Edwin, the handbag wielding bully and even the detectives Chalk and Cheeves (I love these names).
Jenny Moore’s The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb is an excellent historical adventure story that is themed more on the darker side than fluffy and safe. It is packed with action, humour and wonderful characters that will excite and thrill its young (and old) readers, so much so that stopping at the end of a chapter might be difficult. It is a good story of believing in yourself and others and overcoming your own personal obstacles, as well as one of love, friendship and diversity.
Rating: 5/5
Thank you, David! You can read David’s full review here!
Intrigued, and want to read all about Nicholas’ misadventures for yourself? You can order your copy of The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb here!
Want to find out more about Jenny Moore? She’s answered a few questions on our blog, here! You can also read the full first chapter over there too!