Before Mr. Lemoncello became everyone’s favorite game maker, he was a kid who liked to roll the dice . . .Discover the origins of what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world” in this PREQUEL to the New York Times bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
Go back to the START and meet thirteen-year-old, PUZZLE-obsessed Luigi Lemoncello! Luigi has a knack for games and puzzles. But sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against him. UNTIL a carnival arrives in town and Luigi gets the CHANCE OF A LIFETIME—the opportunity to work for the world famous Professor Marvelmous--a dazzling, banana-hat-wearing barker who puts the SHOW in SHOWMAN! When the carnival closes, Professor Marvelmous leaves behind a mysterious puzzle box along with a clue. A clue that will lead Luigi and his friends on a fantastical treasure hunt to a prize beyond anything they could imagine--if they can find it! Can Luigi crack the codes and unlock the box's secrets? Will there be puzzles? Of course! Balloons? You bet! Will it be fun? Hello! It’s a Lemon-cello! BONUS! Can YOU crack the hidden puzzle inside?!---from the publisher
304 pages 978-0593480830 Ages 8-12
Keywords: mystery, action/adventure, libraries, puzzles, friends, treasure, codes, helping others, interactive book, part of a series, fun, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old
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Worth looking at if only for the 1968 Christmas card with Chris and his four brothers. The 1960s Ohio setting, and Luigim Lemoncello's large family, are interesting, and there are enough puzzles to keep fans of the series interested. Enjoyed the shout out to period literature-- The Book of Three and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler I loved the first book, but have been unable to convince students to continue on in the series, so will probably not purchase this prequel. A must read for fans of the series.
Recommended by: Karen Yingling, Teacher Librarian, Ohio USA
See more of her recommendations: msyinglingreads.blogspot.com
