Something about the writing style reminds me of Lemony Snicket, fans will likely enjoy this tale. The narrator is almost conversational with the reader, calming walking us through harrowing events. Suggested for grades 3 . ( )

Thank you Brian Falkner. Thank you for writing the kind of book that I was craving! Northwood is the reminiscent of the stories I adored as a child. Fairy tales, filled with dark forests, brave heroes, and hidden castles. It's the type of story that is unpredictable, and filled with adventure. The type of story that doesn't talk down to its young readers, but instead embraces them within its pages. This is the stuff that bedtime stories are made of.

Cecelia stole my heart. Our heroine in this book, she isn't just brave but smart and honest as well. I think the perfect word for Cecelia is tenacious. She just doesn't give up! Whenever things weren't going her way, she worked around it. Sure, she was afraid at times. What ten year old wouldn't be? She just never let it get in her way. Cecelia's character is the perfect role model for the young readers who will fall in love with this book.

Northwood blends Cecelia's adventures with a fair bit of humor as well. Avery and Evan, our supporting characters on this adventure, were tons of fun! Bickering twins, these two were like night and day. Headstrong Avery, who was always willing to jump into danger when necessary. Sweet, silly Evan who tried so hard to seem smart that he was constantly misusing big words. These two bring a lightness to the story. Trials and tribulations come their way, but these three always keep their heads up.

In fact, this whole story is just filled with the perfect kind of whimsy that will make young readers, and readers who are young at heart, smile and laugh. Houses made of balloons, hairy and evil Kings, and so much more. I can't deny that I fell in love with Miss Cecelia Undergarment. I'd happily follow her into any adventure she happens upon. Once again, thank you to Brian Falkner. Northwood spoke straight to my inner child, and delighted her to no end. ( )

Cecilia Undergarment converses with animals. That's normal for her, but she's aware it's not normal for everyone. She's quite happy and loved in her life. Due to her talent and compassion, she rescues Rocky, her neighbor's dog, who isn't being appropriately cared for. As a result, mayhem ensues sending she and Rocky off to the frightful Northwood where deeper mysteries await.

A delightfully descriptive narrative illustrates scenery, characters, actions, etc allowing a depth of enjoyment for the story and of the characters as they encounter their adventures.

The characters are well formed, authentic for this reality, and intriguing.

Overall, a fantastically fun story! ( )

I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley. Originally it was put in with the graphic novels there, which this is not a graphic novel. It ended up being an okay middle grade read with some excellent artwork throughout.

Cecilia Undergarment is a unique girl who lives in a unique balloon shaped house. Oh, and she can talk to animals. When she sees that her neighbors dog is incredibly unhappy she is determined to rescue the dog. When she rescues the dog some unfortunate events occur that lead to her balloon bedroom floating away into Northwood. In Northwood Cecilia finds a strangely primitive community of people led by an unlikely king. Many of the people are people who have disappeared from town. Cecilia is determined to return home, but once you enter Northwood...you never leave.

This book had some good points. The way the narration is done is very snarky and funny...somewhat similar to A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz in tone. Some of the stuff in Cecila’s life is quirky to the point of craziness….her balloon house and the way it floats away, her name, these things were highly amusing and made me laugh.

There is some wonderful artwork throughout the book that I really enjoyed and I liked the way the book was laid out.

However I had some problems with the story. It was very simplistic and incredibly contrived. Cecilia ends up in Northwood and tries to rally the troops to leave.

Would all these people really just hang out in a forest forever slaving away? Would all of them really follow a king who seems to be stuck in the 1970’s? The King is a major jerk and very mean and what would these people tolerate that? Also would black lions really thrive in a forest like this? Supposedly the black lions are the reason people can’t leave…

And then of course, Cecilia, ends up being a descendant of the original castle owner...like we didn’t see that coming….

There isn’t a ton of magic in the story; mostly magical realism. Almost everything that happens in here has a normal (if not plausible) explanation. The only really “magical” element is Cecilia's ability to understand animals.

I don’t know, the book is okay and the story is okay, I just found myself a bit disappointed at the end of it all. It was too simplistic, too contrived, and just not all that interesting of a story. Younger readers will probably enjoy it a bit more.

Overall an okay read. The illustrations are well done and the humor throughout is entertaining. The story itself is pretty simple and predictable. Some of the things in here are a bit too over the top and I didn’t really enjoy the characters all that much. This is a quick read and when I was done I kind just felt like “Eh, okay that’s over with”. I wouldn’t really recommend this book, there are a ton of better middle grade fantasy reads out there. Check out the Spiderwick Chronicles for a easy middle grade read with great illustration and an excellent story and characters. ( )