In the small village of Drussl, old Peter toymaker is working in his shop one day when he sees a small boy peeping in at the window. The boy offers to help in his shop, and so begins a long friendship between the two. Peter invites the boy, Rudi, to stay with him, and takes in the boy’s family: lame Elsa and four other brothers. Eventually two of Rudi’s brothers become soldiers and leave. Another brother is very bright, so becomes a scholar, and the youngest brother is at school, and dreams of becoming a toymaker like Rudi and Peter. Then some exciting new is heard: the king is holding a competition for the best toy in the land! Rudi and Peter start working right away, creating wonderful toys, but Malkin, in the village of Pils, has a marvellous toy as well. Who will win the competition? And will Anders accompany his brothers to the palace? This is a gripping book I didn’t want to put down.
WTB: Not available in any ACT public library
Age group: 8-12
Verdict: Fantastic!
Rating: 9/10
Image: www.goodreads.com
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