The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse

By: Nicholas Gannon

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

The stand-alone sequel to The Doldrums, which the New York Times called “a dreamy charmer of a book,” is a second tour-de-force by author-illustrator Nicholas Gannon.

It brims with the spirit of exploration and celebrates the bond of friendship. The exquisite hardcover package features Gannon’s distinctive full color full-page art throughout, as well as black-and-white spot illustrations. The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is a timeless tale and a beautiful gift for a young reader.

Archer Helmsley’s grandparents—famous explorers who went missing on an iceberg two years ago—are finally coming home. Archer is overjoyed, but he may be the only one. Rumors are flying that Archer’s grandparents were never really abandoned on the iceberg; that they’re making it all up. Archer knows that the rumors are false. With his best friends, Oliver and Adélaïde, and their new neighbor, Kana, Archer sets out during a snowstorm to rescue his grandparents’ reputation.

In the tradition of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Brian Selznick, Nicholas Gannon’s wildly imaginative world of The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is packed with sly humor, an undeniably charming cast of characters, and the thrill of discovering secrets and adventures right in your own backyard.

With approximately twenty pieces of full color full-page artwork, as well as spot illustrations, and deft, literary writing, Nicholas Gannon once again creates a fully realized world and a story to sink into and explore. “Irresistible.”—Booklist

A repetitive listener

This book and the first one are probably my favorite books of all time. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I might have listen to this one so many times I’m pretty sure it’s above 10. The plot of this book is exciting, mysterious, and funny.

Expertly narrated story of friendship and adventure

Another hit for Gannon! Pinchot narrated Gannon’s latest Doldrums installment with an array of memorable voices that added so much to the characters. My kids and I loved the adventures of the kids as they seek answers to the mystery of Archer’s grandparents’ disappearance on an iceberg years ago. This is well written and so unlike many modern books geared for children that rely on crass humor and talk down to children’s intellect. Intelligent, funny, adventurous...and be sure to pick up the real book, as Gannon’s Doldrums story grew from his magnificent artwork!

Excellent read!

We, my children (10, 7, 4years) and I loved this story! It’s smart and humorous! An excellent read with a wonderful vocabulary. We hope there will be a third book!