The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy "The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy" is a unique and entertaining novel that seamlessly blends the genres of humor, romance, and fantasy. The story revolves around a quirky house that has a mind and personality of its own. The main character, Emily, unexpectedly inherits a charming old house from a distant relative. Little does she know that this house is no ordinary building. From the moment she steps foot inside, she is greeted with talking furniture, mischievous household appliances, and a misaligned sense of reality. As Emily settles into her new home, she quickly befriends a group of whimsical characters, including a loquacious mop, a melodramatic chandelier, and a flirtatious vacuum cleaner.
Benji’s family can’t afford gifts this Christmas, but a magical Christmas Eve shows him that he can still bring his family joy.
On Christmas Eve, his wish is granted a ginormous polar bear ushers Benji into a gilded, glamorous emporium, illustrated in lush digital spreads by Giang, where an ebullient cast of animal clerks helps him shop. A polar bear invites him in, and Benji visits different rooms that are filled with silly sounds, invisible items that appear using one s imagination, and wonderful, inviting smells.
As Emily settles into her new home, she quickly befriends a group of whimsical characters, including a loquacious mop, a melodramatic chandelier, and a flirtatious vacuum cleaner. Together, they embark on a series of humorous adventures that challenge Emily's preconceived notions of love, friendship, and the power of imagination. The house, with its mischievous antics and magical elements, becomes a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of relationships.
The Magical Christmas Store - by Maudie Powell-Tuck (Hardcover)
In this moving story of love, family, and the magic of Christmas, Benji, whose family has very little, stumbles upon a magnificent store on Christmas Eve where he learns that the most important gifts are the ones money can't buy.
Book Synopsis
Celebrate the joy of love, family, and the magic of Christmas with this touching story about the most important gifts that money can't buy.
Christmas for Benji this year has lost its magic. He desperately wants to feel the joy of this special season, but his family has very little. He is out walking in the city on Christmas Eve when he stumbles upon a magnificent store. A polar bear invites him in, and Benji visits different rooms that are filled with silly sounds, invisible items that appear using one's imagination, and wonderful, inviting smells. Will he be able to find the perfect Christmas gifts for his family?
Review Quotes
Benji's family can't afford gifts this Christmas, but a magical Christmas Eve shows him that he can still bring his family joy.
Benji's Christmas needs some magic. There isn't enough money for a tree or a turkey. Benji wishes he could buy his family gifts to make them happy, but instead he watches the shoppers and passes by the shops feeling helpless. But as he turns to go home on Christmas Eve, he bumps into a polar bear, who is rushing to work. Benji watches the polar bear and is invited into a dazzling Magical Christmas Store by penguin doormen. The sights and sounds inside the magical store amaze Benji, who finds intangible gifts that would delight his family: raucous noise for his rambunctious sister, a fancy imaginary hat for his grandmother, and a jar of joy for his dad. He worries that he can't afford to buy the gifts, but the currency requested are a song and a story. Benji heads home happy with his gifts, but on Christmas morning, he worries that they are "terrible." He gives them anyway, and his family feels happy and loved. The topic of limited resources during the holiday season is an important and refreshing one. This layered story can stand up to repeated readings with its exceptional creativity and heart. Boisterous illustrations present Benji and his family as Asian; the workers in the store are all animals.
A special treat for the imagination. (Picture book. 4-9) -- Kirkus Reviews
With his family struggling financially, Benji, a bespectacled child in a red hat, wishes he could bring them joy with spectacular holiday presents. On Christmas Eve, his wish is granted: a "ginormous" polar bear ushers Benji into a gilded, glamorous emporium, illustrated in lush digital spreads by Giang, where an ebullient cast of animal clerks helps him shop. Benji scores a funny-sounding trumpet for his younger sister, a fabulous imaginary hat for his grandmother, and a jar for his father that smells like "family movie night on the couch, like walks together in the fall, like a hug from the person you love most"--all for the cost of a silly song and "one exceptional story." Benji and the rest of his cued-Asian family share a festive dinner before enjoying a particularly happy Christmas morning in this heartwarming narrative by Powell-Tuck, which emphasizes imagination and love over expense. Ages 3-7. -- Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Maudie Powell-Tuck spends too much of her time in expensive shops looking at clothes and glittery things she can't afford, and dreaming about owning a pug named Stanley (when she's not writing, of course). She'd love to say that she runs marathons - but that would be a lie.
Hoang Giang has been working as a children's book illustrator for more than 10 years; she works in a studio with her partner and three cats. Hoang also loves comics and graphic novels and dreams of one day finding the time to make her own comic book.
Before Jon and Julie and their children can uncover the secrets surrounding their mysterious but marvelous hosts, they become aware of some profound truths about themselves—and they discover that love lost can be found, making the bond of marriage and family strong enough to survive—even triumph.
It serves as a backdrop for the unfolding romantic subplot between Emily and her enigmatic neighbor, Jack. Their rollercoaster of emotions is heightened by the house's unpredictable behavior, creating a sense of whimsy and light-heartedness throughout the novel. The author skillfully blends humor with deeper themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Through the interactions with the house and its eccentric inhabitants, Emily learns to embrace her own quirks, let go of societal expectations, and follow her heart. The story serves as a reminder to readers that life is meant to be lived with joy, spontaneity, and a touch of wonder. Overall, "The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers into a world where imagination knows no bounds. It combines elements of humor, romance, and fantasy in a way that keeps readers entertained and captivated from beginning to end. This charming tale is a must-read for anyone looking for a whimsical escape from reality and a reminder of the magic that lies within everyday life..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Whimsy: A Funny and Romantic Journey in the Enchanted Home"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy" based on the positive reviews, but I was ultimately let down. The humor felt forced and I didn't find myself laughing at any of the jokes. The romance was uninspiring and predictable, with no real chemistry between the characters. The fantasy elements were underdeveloped and didn't add any depth to the story. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointing read and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1 star
"The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy" is one of the worst books I've ever read. The humor was juvenile and cringe-worthy, with jokes that felt like they were written for a middle school audience. The romance was shallow and lacked any real emotional connection. The fantasy aspect of the story was poorly executed and felt like an afterthought. I was highly disappointed with this book and I regret wasting my time on it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was looking for a light and funny read when I came across "The House with a Humorous Romantic Fantasy," but it fell flat for me. The humor felt forced and repetitive, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than laughing. The romance was predictable and lacked any real depth or development. The fantasy elements were poorly explained and didn't make much sense. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a truly humorous and romantic fantasy.