Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand

The Travelling Restaurant The Travelling Restaurant
by Barbara Else
Gecko Press

Supplied for review by Gecko Press

Reviewed By: Jacqui Smith

I know that I am far from the only adult with a secret love of children’s literature – not the preachy politically correct kind that some adults persist in writing because they think children ought to like it – no, I’m talking about the kind of foray into the far realms of the imagination that intelligent children actually love. I suspect it appeals to the child in us. This is one of those books.

It’s essentially a modern fairy tale, with a prince who has no idea of his heritage, on a quest to find his baby sister and defeat the evil Lady Gall (whose ambition is to be Queen). All aboard the wonderful Travelling Restaurant, where if nothing else, the food is guaranteed to make the reader salivate. Many things here are more than they seem, and the floating diner called the Travelling Restaurant is certainly one of them.

I’d be happy to give this to any able reader in the 8 to 12 age bracket, and younger children may well appreciate it being read to them. Don’t be surprised if requests for "special plates for babies" result….

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