ULYSSES MOORE #1: THE DOOR TO TIME
Scholastic
ISBN-10: 0439776740
ISBN-13: 9780439776745
Ages 9-12
240 pages

When the Covenants relocate from London to Kilmore Cove, they find that it is unlike the usual bustling city life to which they had been accustomed. The family moves into an old mansion called Argo Manor, which sits on a cliff high above the seaside town that surrounds it. Eleven-year-old twins Jason and Julia have different reactions to their new home: Jason likes to search for the paranormal and is convinced that Argo Manor is haunted, whereas Julia is a city girl at heart who would rather go shopping. The mansion's caretaker, Nestor, a gentleman with a bad leg, tells them that the former owner was a mysterious man named Ulysses Moore, whose eccentricities, we soon discover, made him as legendary as the Argo Manor itself.

While Jason and Julia's parents go back to London to sign paperwork, they allow the twins to invite their new school friend Rick over for the day while under the care of Nestor. Twelve-year-old Rick Banner has lived his whole life in Kilmore Cove and has been fascinated with Argo Manor since he was small. Rick soon discovers that he isn't the only one who would like Argo Manor, when he overhears the caretaker in an argument with a demanding lady named Oblivia Newton.

When Jason suggests that they make a map of the house, Rick agrees while Julia reluctantly tags along. As they explore the house they discover an unusual diary and dictionary that belonged to Ulysses Moore and a secret locked door that seems to have no key. Soon the friends begin to solve puzzles that lead them on a mysterious grand adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

ULYSSES MOORE: THE DOOR TO TIME is a great book to read, especially with "old" sketches that go along with it. The only problem readers may have is patiently waiting until July, when ULYSSES MOORE #2: THE LONG-LOST MAP comes out!

   --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle (SdarksideG@aol.com)

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