The Hotel Balzaar

About The Hotel Balzaar

Kate DiCamillo invites readers back to the enchanting land of Norendy in 'The Hotel Balzaar', a wise and magical follow-up to 'The Puppets of Spelhorst'. This captivating children's fiction novel centers on young Marta, who lives a quiet, almost invisible life at the grand Hotel Balzaar while her mother works. Marta’s days are filled with small observations – the bellman, an angel’s wing painting, a cat chasing a mouse – all against the backdrop of her deep longing for her soldier father, who has mysteriously gone missing. This middle grade adventure masterfully blends everyday life with a touch of the extraordinary, drawing readers into Marta's hopeful world.

The tranquility of the hotel is stirred by the arrival of a mysterious countess, accompanied by her parrot, who promises to tell seven stories, each in its proper sequence. As these tales unfold, Marta begins to wonder if they hold the key to her father's disappearance. DiCamillo, a celebrated author of children's books, weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of yearning, belief, and the power of storytelling. With elegant line art by Júlia Sardà, 'The Hotel Balzaar' is the second book in a trio of novellas, offering a heartwarming and intriguing read for young adventurers seeking a touch of magic and a compelling mystery.

Key Details

• Author: Kate DiCamillo
• Publisher: Walker Books
• Format: Hardback, 176 pages
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• ISBN: 9781529512854

Order from BookClub.com.mt — Malta and Gozo's online bookstore.