Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

By: Karen Foxlee

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

“Magic is “messy and dangerous and filled with longing,” we learn in this brave tale of grief, villainy and redemption that borrows from the story of the Snow Queen. Set in a vast, chilly museum, the tale brings together a valiant girl, a charmed boy, a magical sword and a clock ticking down to the end of the world.”—The Wall Street Journal

This is the story of unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard who doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty, the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Critic reviews

The Wall Street Journal, January 25, 2014:
“A present-day fairy tale that practically sparkles with its own icy menace...[a] memorable and ultimately moving novel for young readers.”

The Christian Science Monitor, January 31, 2014:
"Foxlee's novel will be read and loved by youngsters who've grown up on fairy tales, graduated to Harry Potter, and appreciate gorgeous writing and complex storytelling. In this story of friendship and yes, even bravery, Ophelia shines as one of the first true heroines of the 2014 crop of fabulous middle-grade novels."

Starred Review, Kirkus, November 1, 2013:
"A well-wrought, poignant and original reworking of Andersen’s 'The Snow Queen.'"

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, November 11, 2013:
"Foxlee's writing is elegant and accessible, with a pervading melancholy... this story shines."

Starred Review, Booklist, December 15, 2013:
"This clever story-within-a-story reads easily yet offers deep lessons about trust, responsibility, and friendship.”

Starred Review, The Bulletin, February 1, 2014:
"Foxlee inventively weaves familiar folkloric elements—an evil snow queen, a magic sword, a quest, a chosen one—into her modern setting, all the while evoking a mood of dreamlike foreboding."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, March 1, 2014:
“The writing sparkles . . . Foxlee’s fresh and imaginative take on this classic tale will be snapped up by fantasy and adventure lovers alike.”

The Horn Book, January/February 2014:
"Foxlee’s deftness with characterization and setting...makes this a satisfying fantasy."

Lovely story, perfectly read

This is a truly beautiful story, a wonderful modern fairy tale. And it was read perfectly. The themes are heavy and melancholy, primarily dealing with loss, death and grief. But it was marvelously handled and easily accessible to the 2nd grader listening with me. And, in the end (and throughout), it was ultimately hopeful and empowering. We both loved every minute of it!

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

9 year old: Loved it. Very good.
7 year old: it was really dark and scary and had a lot of adventure.

Great kids adventure

If you could sum up Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy in three words, what would they be?

magical exciting adventure

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ophelia, of course - she's the heroine

Which character – as performed by Jayne Entwistle – was your favorite?

Jayne did all the characters very well (one of the reasons the story is so good).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All the times Ophelia pushed past her fears to do what was right.

Any additional comments?

Jayne Entwistle is a great narrator, always making her characters come alive. In this book especially, she makes you root for the children (Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy) during their adventures.

Great book

The best book I ever read! This author is the best in the world! I really want to read another one of her books!

Excellent

Very well read. One of the best narrators I have heard. Terrific story, even for older guy like me. Highly recommended.

A Beautiful Take On The Genre

Would you listen to Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy again? Why?

Most certainly. If I ever have children I will defiantly read this to them/

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a fresh take on the fairy tale genre and it was nice to have a strong female lead character. I highly recommend this book.