The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson
By (Author) Quinn Sosna-Spear
Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
1st May 2019
United States
Children
Fiction
813.6
Hardback
336
Width 140mm, Height 210mm, Spine 25mm
411g
In this sweeping and inventive debut novel thats perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Tim Burton, a prodigal inventor flees his home to find his destiny.
In the humdrum town of Moormouth, Walter Mortinsons unusual inventions cause nothing but trouble. After one of his contraptions throws the town into chaos, Walters mother demands he cut the nonsense and join the family mortuary business.
Far off on Flaster Isle, famed inventor Horace Flasterborn plans to take Walter under his wing, just as he did Walters genius father decades ago. When a letter arrives by unusual means offering Walter an apprenticeship, it isnt long before Walter decides to flee Moormouth to meet his destiny.
Walter runs away in the family hearse along with Cordelia, the moody girl next door with one eye and plenty of secrets. Together they journey through a strange landscape of fish-people, giantess miners, and hypnotized honeybees in an adventure that will not only reveal the truth about Walters past, but direct his future.
Sosna-Spear's debut novel contains elements of Oz and Harry Potter with a healthy dollop of Willie Wonka thrown into the mix.An earnest novel that celebrates courage and individuality. * Kirkus Reviews *
"All readers with a heart for adventure will appreciate this quirkily told tale. * BCCB *
"This is a charming tale with a witty tone . . . the perfect read aloud for 4th-6th grade classes." * School Library Connection *
Quinn Sosna-Spear was named a California Young Playwright at seventeen and went on to study at the University of Southern California. She has since written books, films, and comics. Her novels are inspired by her childhood and the untimely death of her own mother. Quinn hopes to share with all readersparticularly those struggling with lossthe humor, poignancy, and adventure in such thingsas dreary and impossible as they may seem.