The Traveling Restaurant

Escaping evil Lady Gall, Jasper's family flees by ship, mistakenly leaving him behind. Boarding an odd vessel called the Traveling Restaurant, Jasper learns more about his family's role in the Great Accident that removed magic from Fontania and his own potential role in restoring it. Constant action, lively language, and a Mahy-esque sense of whimsy carry the narrative as the mysteries unfold.

When Lady Gall, the evil Provisional Monarch of Fontania, tries to poison Jasper’s little sister, he and his family flee by ship, but thanks to his scapegrace uncle, Trump, Jasper is left behind on the dock. Boarding an odd, nearly circular vessel that bills itself as the Traveling Restaurant, Jasper initially hides out from Lady Gall’s soldiers by helping the Restaurant’s curmudgeonly captain, Dr. Rocket, and snappish crewmember Polly as they wait on patrons. They in turn agree to take him in pursuit of his parents and baby sister, but while evading pirates, the Restaurant rescues a castaway Uncle Trump who reports that his ship sank in a storm and Jasper’s family is missing. Devastated, Jasper hopes they were rescued but fears they were captured by Lady Gall. During the adventures that follow, Jasper learns more about his family’s role in the Great Accident that removed magic from Fontania and his own possible role in restoring it. Constant action, lively language, and a Mahy-esque sense of whimsy carry the narrative as the mysteries unfold. Jasper’s startling ability to think on his feet will endear him to readers, as will his sister Sibilla’s authentic toddler personality, while hidden relationships revealed at the end make for a satisfying conclusion. anita l. burkam