Which is tricky, because ever since his mum died, nothing makes sense at all. He also has a passion for an obscure comic book series. In “The Adventures of Squidape,” the hero, a half-squid, half-ape character, always outsmarts the villains and Roland dreams of being as brave.
His dad, Digby, runs a second-hand shop, and the best part of the day is when Roland gets to spend time with his favourite customers: a quirky group of elderly people known as The Collectors.
When Roland spirals into magical thinking, trying to rationalise the loss of his mother by imagining she is on a secret mission, one of their elderly friends suggest Digby take him to Yumpy for a beachfront holiday.
But the quiet seaside town is hiding a big secret: a suspicious antiques shop called The Itchy Fingers Emporium, run by people who seem very friendly.
When Roland recognises an object he knows was stolen from one of The Collectors, he soon discovers that paying attention can be a superpower, and that Squidape isn’t the only hero in town!
Warm, quirky middle-grade cosy mystery that shows how even the quietest, most unique people can triumph over adversity and achieve true heroism.
Themes include:
grief, healing, resilience, magical thinking, courage and believing in yourself
John Stanton is a school librarian who spends his days surrounded by stories and the children who love them. He has a fondness for mystery stories and solving puzzles. This book emerged from a nightly ritual, inspired by one of his young daughters who insisted on a brand-new tale Every. Single. Night. When he’s not reading or writing, John can often be found exploring antique stores in search of hidden treasures — much like the curious boy in this story. He lives in rural Australia with his wife and is the proud father of two grown children.
THis book is also available AT local bookstores and online from QBD, Dymocks, and Booktopia.
