Saving Mim

Charlie Kadabra, Last of the Magicians, Book 1

By: Nan McAdam

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Charlie Kadabra feels like the biggest loser ever born. A foster kid, abandoned as a baby, picked on by the bullies at school, he thinks his life stinks, until he tries to save the little rabbit and accidentally blows up his science teacher, who’s a robot! Running for his life, he follows the new girl, Emily, through a shiny curtain in the woods, and lands in the magical world of Mim. Charlie discovers he is the last of the Magicians, who are guardians of the land of Mim. Can Charlie find all the jewels of power for the Magician’s staff his father left him in time to save all his new friends from Dr. Pi’s destruction? This humorous fantasy tale will delight readers of all ages as they find out, there is a little Charlie in all of us.

“The story of Charlie Kadabra is an explosive tale of excitement and intrigue that finds new and creative ways to tie in old fantasy myths and creatures to our simple, mundane world." James B. Hoke, author of The Ark Brothers.

©2014 Nancy McAdam (P)2015 Nancy McAdam

Critic reviews

"Highly recommended!" ( Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch)

“McAdam can capture readers from all ages and sizes to her great m/g book that I was shocked I found myself turning the pages so fast to see what might happen next or what might change. I cannot wait to read more books from this series’ and even by the author.” ( Quirky Book Reviews)

“In this book they will take a journey with Charlie through the halls of school into a fantasy world. They will find a hero they can root for. I am definitely looking forward to the second book in this series.” ( The Musings of a Book Addict)

Giving Life to the Written Word

What did you love best about Saving Mim?

The narrator did a superb job of voicing the multiple characters so that each one was his/her own person. Even knowing nothing about the book beforehand, I was able to visualize what each character looked like, how they related to each other (or not) throughout the story, and their reactions to events in the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It was very engaging . . . helped to keep me awake while working on a manual project late into the night. It also evoked memories from my childhood when my father would read aloud. Though not as strong in dialectic nuances, he also had a knack for developing voices for different characters.

Which character – as performed by Joel Froomkin – was your favorite?

I couldn't possibly choose just one . . . they were all delightful! I have had the incredible good fortune to work with Mr. Froomkin, as well as seeing some of the productions he has brought to the stage. He is an amazing, detail-conscious director. It also shows in his reading here. I'd love to be able to do a fraction of what he accomplishes!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I can't say that I had given any thought to that before listening. Having done just that, I liked having had the opportunity. I didn't have to puzzle long to have the 'spaces' filled in if I happened to miss something.

Any additional comments?

Typically, I prefer to read books myself . . . but having listened to this one, I will be more apt to seek out some good audio books for a couple road trips I will be taking this year.

A fun adventure for Grown-ups to share too.

What made the experience of listening to Saving Mim the most enjoyable?

The narrator was really great. He uses a whole bushel of different accents and characters and really brings them to life. It was such a treat to listen to... and he was very funny as well. Often we were laughing out loud.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Saving Mim?

I really loved the relationship between Charlie and the dragons. It's tough to say - it's got lots of characters and different elements that are delightful. Fin, the rabbit, is hilarious... He was our favorite.

What does Joel Froomkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He totally brings the book to life... It's like having the greatest bedtime story reader ever.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I think the book has really a really great moral. If you know a kid who feels like an odd-ball, or doesn't fit in - this story really tells kids that there's a place for all of us - we just have to believe in ourselves and search for it. I thought that a great message wrapped up in an adventure with dragons and robots and mermaids etc. was really engaging.

Any additional comments?

If you get it for your kids... you'll want to listen too!

Great Story for All Ages!

What made the experience of listening to Saving Mim the most enjoyable?

The writing was amazing and well done. The narrator was also very good.

What did you like best about this story?

The sense of epic fantasy on a scale for children's books, but without dumbing it down. It was very well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Harry Potter meets Peter Pan in this tale of magic and self-discovery!

Any additional comments?

Wonderful job. What a fun book!

Making kids believe in themselves!

I thought this book was adorable. My kids loved it - and so did the grownups listening along. It's got tons of adventure (that never gets too scary) that my boys thought was great fun. The voices - especially Fen, the giant magic bunny, are so colorful and engaging. It totally brought the characters to life. For the 7 to 10 range this is a delightful fantasy story about a normal boy who has to find the bravery within himself to save a magical world. It was a great message about the potential within all of us to help others... but a whole lot of fun along the way.

Great Book to Keep Grandchildren Entertained

What made the experience of listening to Saving Mim the most enjoyable?

The characters are familiar and fun for a 10 year-old and a little younger. The voices in the audio matched the characters well and were easy to imagine.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlie was the best

What does Joel Froomkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices were realistic and fun

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Believe in Magic

Any additional comments?

I ordered the audio book for three grandchildren, 8,9 & 10 years old. It turned out to be the best part of some hot days, coming inside to the coolness and stretching out with a pillow to listen to the adventures of Charlie Kadabra.

The story was most interesting to my 10 year old grandson but all the kids enjoyed the story. The audio version is rich with believable character's voices and the dialog very realistic. All three of them giggled and laughed as the characters came to life and created believable scenes in this delightful fantasy.

This is the first audio book I've used for kids and it is wonderful to watch them listen to a story...no computer game or television show can engage them quite like listening to a good book.

McAdam has a firm grasp on realistic dialog and storyline aimed at 10-18 year old kids and I will look for more of her work to have on hand for all my grandchildren.

I highly recommend the audio version of Saving Mim for hot summer days and long car trips.

A delightful adventure kids will love.

If you could sum up Saving Mim in three words, what would they be?

Giant Funny Bunny.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the character of Fen. He is assigned as Charlie's sort of Jiminy Cricket/sidekick/magical assistant. He's a six foot tall giant bunny who is hilarious. Kind of like a cockney Roger Rabbit. He constantly made me smile... and the kids loved the character.

Have you listened to any of Joel Froomkin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not before... but I will look out for more of them. He has fantastic humor and energy in his characters... and the kids adored all the different colorful voices and magical creatures he brought to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It breaks up into really nice sections... so it's perfect for a bedtime adventure (although there's an awful lot of excitement so it might be tricky to calm them down after!). I think kids around the eight to ten age would be really engaged with the book for long sittings.

Any additional comments?

It has great characters...especially Charlie who is an great hero for kids that don't feel like they always fit in. It deals with issues like bullying and self confidence in a really lively and wonderful way. I think it's a very empowering book for kids to find the best inside of themselves.

Does Magic Live?

In an alternate world where magicians once protected a land of peace, harmony and magic, the land of Min is rotting. The evil "PI" is taking the land to rule where chaos will reign. The young son of the last magician, Charlie, appears in Mim just in time. Humor in abundance and a multitude of interesting characters, give way to life lessons.
Joel Froomkin shines as the narrator.
This book should be added to a young boys library, though many adults would enjoy the magical tone and character development .

Sooooo much fun.

Would you consider the audio edition of Saving Mim to be better than the print version?

Oh absolutely... the narrator is fabulous. He does an incredible job creating different sounds for countless magical characters. I also really liked that he found a way to unify the sounds... so that the dragons sounded related, and the rabbits and the mermaids etc... it helped you really identify all of the characters when they interact. The youngsters loved how animated and colorful the voices were.

What did you like best about this story?

The lead character Charlie... he's a great underdog kind of role model for kids. He has real doubts about his ability and his being worthy and special... he really has to learn to believe in himself. It was a lovely story, charming, quirky with lots of heart and a lot of adventure. I think young boys in particular will eat this up.

What does Joel Froomkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

So much. It was really delightful.... He's an awesome storyteller and his characters were wild and funny and specific and even menacing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's segmented nicely - so if you want to listen to it in the car with kids, it's great!! It almost has the structure of an old serial... the book is all about a quest for various magical objects and they are laid out in nice sized sections.

Magical adventure pulls at your heartstrings.

Exceptionally great read for all ages. Right from the start this book grabs the reader & keeps them caught up in the story, just as if the reader was right next to the characters.