The Unadoptables
Five fantastic children on the adventure of a lifetime
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
"A compelling, gorgeously-written story about the power of friendship and the true meaning of family . . . perfection!" Robin Stevens, author of Murder Most Unladylike
"A high-speed, witty, absurd and joyful adventure." Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers and The Good Thieves
The remarkable. The extraordinary. The brave.
Way back in the autumn of 1880, five babies are discovered at the Little Tulip Orphanage in most unusual circumstances. Those babies are Lotta, Egbert, Fenna, Sem and Milou.
The vile matron calls the children 'the unadoptables' but this talented gang of best friends know that their individuality is what makes them so special - and so determined to stay together.
When a sinister gentleman tries to get them in his clutches, the children make a daring escape across the frozen canals of Amsterdam, embarking on an adventure packed with pirate ships and puppets. But is their real home - and their real family - already closer than they realize?
"A corker of a story." Emma Carroll, author of Letters to the Lighthouse
"A book to absolutely fall in love with." Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark's Teeth
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In 1880, five babies were abandoned at Amsterdam's Little Tulip Orphanage without adhering to the institution's orderly rules. Named by the cruel Matron Gassbeek, their monikers are as unique as they are: 12-fingered Lotta, a master of mathematics; gentle Egg, a budding cartographer; timid Fenna, a mute culinary expert; and protective Sem, a sewing whiz. The fifth, Milou, whose ear-prickling sense warns her of impending danger, has written a book of theories about why her parents abandoned her in a small coffin. Twelve years later, these inseparable children, all considered unadoptable, are suddenly courted by a merchant who wants them to join him aboard his ship. Instead, the five escape to an abandoned windmill once owned by Milou's family; however, even their lifelike puppet guardian and Milou's sixth sense may not protect them from the dangers of the outside world. Despite employing a well-trod conceit orphans frantic to escape a miserable life creating a found family this story stands out for its enchanted setting, daring escapades, and an arch, vividly wrought third-person narrative by debut author Tooke. Ages 8 12.
