About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a family health crisis or an upcoming parental surgery and needs a safe, imaginative outlet for their anxiety. As Roger and Ann navigate their father's serious illness, they are sent to stay with cousins where a magical toy castle provides a world of agency and control that they lack in real life. It is a masterful blend of mid-century charm and timeless emotional resonance. The story explores themes of bravery, the power of storytelling, and the way children use play to process heavy emotions. While it deals with the very real fear of losing a parent, the magical elements and humorous tributes to classic literature like Ivanhoe and Robin Hood keep the tone adventurous rather than somber. It is a perfect choice for parents looking to normalize feelings of worry while offering a hopeful, creative escape for children aged 8 to 12.
