Ottoline Goes to School combines the intrigue of an accessible mystery with an original plot and idiosyncratic characters. Chris Riddell guides the reader through his highly imaginative world with finely detailed pen and ink illustrations present on every page, each with a strategic touch of color. These illustrations do not just portray the action in the narrative, but also offer the reader hints of developments to come. Within this imaginative world, Riddell maintains the steady, calm presence of Ottoline. Her adventures are deliberate, but always made safe as the result of her strong analytical skills and the devoted companionship of her friend Mr. Monroe. Riddell offers young readers a charming introduction to adventure and a smart, quirky heroine they will want to meet again. I wasn't crazy about this book. It's not great and it's not bad either. Ottoline's parents are travelers who are often away but she doesn't seem to mind as she has her best friend Mr. Munroe and lots of grown-ups to look after her. One day she meets Cecily Forbes-Lawerence III in the park by her apartment and they quickly become friends. Cecily goes to Alice B. Smith School for the Differently Gifted and Ottoline soon decides that she would like to attend too. Once Ottoline reaches the boarding school the real adventures begins. There are ghosts lurking about the school doing all sorts of nasty things, with the help of Mr. Munroe Ottoline soon gets to the bottom of the mystery. The story line is clearly written and obvious enough for early readers to follow. I think the concept of boarding school and a life where parents are rarely around might be enough to interest some children but the overall story isn't terribly exciting. The illustrations however, are very well done and truly what make the book interesting. Ages: 7-10
Do You like book Ottoline Und Das Schulgespenst (2012)?
I loved Riddell's marvellous illustrations in this book, the story so so. A cute sequel.
—wahyusetyo40
Lovely setting, elegant illustrations, such and whimsical characters.
—swechcha
the book was nice but the mystery was only made it interesting
—tomwill123
Very cute - I'll never be to old to read Chris Riddell!
—mamsterr
