Banks, Lynne Reid Books

The Indian in the Cupboard

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 125 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

What could be better than a magic cupboard that turns small toys into living creatures? Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, so he gives Omri an old medicine cabinet he's found. Although their mother supplies a key, the cabinet still doesn't seem like much of a present. But when an exhausted Omri dumps a plastic toy Indian into the cabinet just before falling asleep, the magic begins. Turn the key once and the toy comes alive; turn it a second time and it's an action figure again.

The Indian in the Cupboard is one of those rare books that is equally appealing to children and adults. The story of Omri and the Indian, Little Bear, is replete with subtle reminders of the responsibilities that accompany friendship and love. For kids, it's a great yarn; for most parents, it's also a reminder that Omri's wrenching decision to send his toy back to its own world is not so different from the recognition of their children's emerging independence.

The Indian in the Cupboard is also available in Spanish (La Llave Magica.) (The publisher recommends this book for children ages 9-12, although younger kids will enjoy hearing it read aloud.)

The Return of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

"The Return of the Indian" is a very good book, and probably a better one than "The Indian in the Cupboard". The story is about a boy(Omri) who finds a locked cupboard in a garbage can in the streets of London. When his mother gives him a key that fits no lock in his house, he tries the key on the cupboard it opens! And the story goes farther when he puts a plastic Indian he got from his friend Patric, in the cupboard, and it comes to life!! That was the "Indian in the Cupboard". In the "Return of the Indian", Omri brings back his Indian(Little Bear) and a cowboy, theres even more fun. But when something Happens to Little Bear, Omri must bring even more plastic figures to life, like a very patient and kind nurse, A marine squad with a howitzer and blazing machine guns, and a load of Iroquois tomahawks that want revenge on the English for burning their homes. I loved the action and suspense in this book. I liked the creative storyline, but I think the Author rushes a certain part of the book. If you have read the fist book in this magical series, you'll love the second!

Editorial Review:

The Magic Continues . . .

In The Indian In The Cupboard, Omri discovers a wonderful, magical world when a three inch high Indian named Little Bear came to life. Now, in The Return Of The Indian, Omri tries to see his friend Little Bear again, and lands in the middle of a whole new series of astonishing and dangerous adventures -- from which he may never escape!

The Secret of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Secret of the Indian 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Secret of the Indian
By: Lynne Reid Banks
Reviewed By: P. Shah
Period 1

Omri and Patrick are forced to reveal their secret to Patrick's cousin. At first, they couldn't trust her one bit, but as things got out of control, they realized they needed Emma. It all starts with Omri sending Patrick to the time of the cowboys. But when Omri brought back the indians and cowboys to life, they were all injured from a war. Omri only had one nurse so he didn't know what to do. There were about 30 injured and half dead indians in Omri's room. that's where Emma came into help. She knew of a plastic figure that was a surgeon that her sister had. By bringing him to life, the indians were helped and headed back to their own time. Meanwhile, Patrick was in the cowboy time and he wasn't having a good time. When he came back, he figured out that he had injured his best friend, a plastic figure of a cowboy. At first the nurse and surgeon thought he was dead but with Omri's strong fingers he stared breathing again. At school Omri read an essay that he wrote about his experience about his magical cupboard. No one thought it was true...except for the principal. The principal said to Omri," They were supposed to make an invention exactly like that and I have a reason to believe that you have that invention." At the end everyone thought the principal was crazy. So, the secret is being kept secret by Omri, Patrick and Emma.
I really like this book because there was so much activity going on in the story. And it's so secretive! It just makes you want to read more and more! There is nothing that i disliked about this book. Quotes: Clinging precariously to the bottom rim of the ceiling, Boone shouted a yell of help before he fell. I liked this quote because it showed action and awe. Another quote: " You need to send us back," Boone shouted. " We can't! We lost the key!" Omri replied. This quote is scary because omri can't find the key so the indians are stuck in the future.
My favorite part of the book is when Omri and Patrick try to keep Emma from learning their secret. But nothing works out and she finds out. I like this part because it is so suspicious of Emma and it's fun to see what they do.

Editorial Review:

The adventure deepens . . .

In The Return of the Indian, Omri found he could transport himself and his friend Patrick back in history to the dangerous days of his miniature companions. Now, in the secret of the indian, Patrick time-travels back to the rough-and-tumble frontier age of his cowboy friend, Boone. When he returns to the present day, he's accompanied by a disastrous bit of Texas weather that devastates half of England.

The Mystery of the Cupboard (Indian in the Cupboard)

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

An Inspiring Book for Kids of All Ages 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Mystery of the Cupboard is one of the many sequels to the fabulous The Indian in the Cupboard. Omri, the main character, has moved into an Indian longhouse. When Thatcher's come to redo the roof, Omri finds a box and a diary. He reads it. It is about Jessica Charlotte, his Great-Great Aunt. She writes about her experiences, and she knew the secret of the cupboard.
Omri learns a very important lesson: Do not steal because you feel sorry for yourself. Jessica Charlotte does this, and the results are not good.
With a key that can unlock lots of locks, a thatcher with a secret, a person of whom The Secret of the Cupboard is revealed to, and two terrible injuries that result in one death, this book is a great read.
It takes about two and a half weeks to read, and is a great book. You always want to turn the page! But, if you haven't read The Indian in the Cupboard, you should do it first, or else this great book by Lynne Reid Banks won't make sense. Also, for more adventures with Omri, buy The Key to the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, The Return of the Indian, and The Indian in the Cupboard.

By Sammy K.
4th Grade

Editorial Review:

In the fourth book in Bank's acclaimed INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD saga, Omri and his family move to an old farmhouse, where he finds an ancient notebook that reveals a family secret-and the mysterious origins of his magical cupboard.

The Key to the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

It all started with Lynne Reid Banks's The Indian in the Cupboard, the enchanting, suspenseful story of toy figures brought to life through the magic of a cupboard and a special key. Three sequels followed this popular novel--The Return of the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, and The Mystery of the Cupboard--and The Key to the Indian is next in line. At first Omri was alone with his secret of the toy figures and the surprising appearance of the 18th-century Iroquois Little Bear. One day, however, his father finds the figures in his son's room, and locks them in the special cupboard: "Of course they'd come to life inside, and his dad had put a lot of twos and twos from the past together, and realized. And later he'd seen them, been introduced to them. And accepted it.... It took a special kind of grownup not only to accept magic when he saw it but to promise and swear that he'd never, ever tell a living soul." What Omri and his father both now know about is the terrible plight of the Iroquois people during the 18th century--and that Omri's new friend Little Bear is in urgent need of help. Father and son attempt to travel back in time... but things go horribly wrong. They persist for the sake of Little Bear, but at great risk. With history, magic, humor, and all the surprising twists readers have come to expect from Banks, The Key to the Indian will absorb young readers through the very last page. (Ages 9 and older)

The Indian in the Cupboard Trilogy: "Indian in the Cupboard", "Return of the Indian", "Secret of the Indian"

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excited! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I read the first 2 books when I was in school, and had no idea that there was a third one out there. . .really looking forward to reading them, especially the first two, it has been so long, it would be like reading them for the first time!

Editorial Review:

Three bestselling stories about Omri, and his friend Patrick, who turns his plastic Red Indian, Little Bull, into a real miniature person. The Indian in the Cupboard Who'd want a boring little plastic Red Indian as a birthday present? Omri doesn't -- until his brother gives him a very special cupboard which can make the Indian come alive...Return of the Indian Omri is unexpectedly reminded of his beloved Red Indian, and can't resist making sure he's still all right. But when he opens the cupboard door Little Bull is wounded, nearly dead, and Omri must find help. The Secret of the Indian Omri's friend Patrick goes back in time to the Wild West, and keeping the secret safe becomes even more difficult for Omri...

The Fairy Rebel

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Finally found this book after years of searching! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I read this book more than once when I was in elementary school. Over the years, I lost the title and have been searching everywhere for it. I'm so excited to see it's reprinted and still out there for kids to read. I'm also surprised to find out it's by one of my favorite childhood authors. I loved "The Indian in the Cupboard" as well. I would recommend this to any child, or adult, who loves fantasy. There are some parts that are a little scary if I remember correctly though. I still have to reread it : )

Great creepy fun for elementary 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

We read "Indian in the Cupboard" at school, Lynne Reid Banks' most famous book, and I just wasn't that enthralled. The Fairy Rebel, however, is another story completely. I distinctly recall getting delicious shivers of fear out of this book!

Though the book certainly has whimsical elements, its most remarkable feature is the amount of darkness and danger that it is willing to include, which raises the stakes far past that of most children's books while remaining an extremely enjoyable read. Usually, children's books have a very distinct "safety zone" beyond which the characters do not venture. Here, they pass all restrictions while at the same time not betraying the unspoken agreement between the author and reader that the book must have a satisfying ending.

This was one of the creepiest stories I read as a small girl, and also one of the best. I highly recommend it.

Editorial Review:

The Fairy Queen strictly forbids fairies from using their magic power on humans. But after Tiki accidentally meets Jan, a woman who is desperate for a baby daughter, she finds it impossible to resist fulfilling her wish. Now up against the dark and vicious power of evil, this fairy rebel must face the Queen’s fury with frightening and possibly fatal results.


From the Hardcover Library Binding edition.

I, Houdini

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Funny yet thoughtful book. 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

There is no doubt that Houdini is a most unusual creature, for this is a hamster with an advanced vocabulary and a terribly immodest opinion of his own superior brain power. Houdini believes without question that hamsters are a higher form of life than humans. He is, however, a kindhearted creature (generally speaking) and tolerates the bumbling ways of humans well enough.

What is hard for him to tolerate is their tendency to want to lock him up in a cage. If there is anything Houdini does not like, it is to be locked up. It is in fact his amazing ability to escape his cage that got him his name. Houdini is an escapologist of the very highest order.

Houdini also tends to reap chaos in his wake, which makes him most unpopular with the father of the boys who own him. Father becomes enraged when Houdini first chews electrical wire, carpeting and a door, and then finally causes a flood in the kitchen. It is all too much. Even Houdini has to admit that Father has just cause to be upset. So Houdini decides to stay with a friend for a while, until Father has time to cool off. Ben has a hamster called Oggi, a female who humiliates Houdini dreadfully. Houdini is soon on the loose and makes the most amazing discovery --- he finds himself in the great Outside.

Never in his wildest dreams did Houdini imagine that the great Outside would be so wonderful. What he comes to learn is that Outside is also terribly dangerous and unpredictable. In fact, he could very easily become someone's lunch or dinner out there.

In this funny yet thoughtful book, Lynne Reid Banks takes us into the mind, and heart, of a brilliant and delightful character who has flaws just like the rest of us. What is endearing about Houdini is that he is willing to admit his imperfections and mistakes. Using rich and complex language, the author never talks down to her readers but expects them to know what she means and understand what her wonderful, often grandiose hamster is saying. We cannot help but grow fond of this ambitious rodent, who discovers that there is a power far greater than even his own will to escape from every cage he is put into.

--- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber (mjansengruber@mindspring.com) of Through The Looking Glass Book Review (www.lookingglassreview.com)

Editorial Review:

One family’s household has been in a state of disarray because of one small furry problem. Meet Houdini, an extraordinarily brilliant escapologist. No, not that Houdini. This one is a hamster. Once you meet him, you will understand that his owners just couldn’t name him anything else, for his name is quite fitting. He can escape from anything—a cage or the clutches of a mean cat. While on his escapades, he causes all kinds of trouble from chewing through wires to causing a flood. But Houdini thinks it’s all worth it, because he is desperate to explore the great Outdoors. But once he gets out, will he ever come back? Or will this be his final escape?

Tiger, Tiger

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

An attention grabbing story about the barbaric times of Roman rule 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

Aurelia is born to riches and power, where slaves rush to meet her every want and need, and where every citizen of Rome knows and admires her. She is the daughter of Caesar, the ruler of Rome. And Caesar adores his youngest child, so he plans an exotic and spectacular gift for her: a wild tiger cub!

Boots the tiger is born to the green wilds of the jungle, where he lies in the sun with his brother and learns to hunt and survive with lessons from his mother. But when their mother is murdered, he and his brother are taken captive and dragged miserably across the ocean in the dark, dank hold of a ship.

Upon arrival, Boots is defanged, neutered and forced to wear leather coverings over his razor-sharp claws. But despite this, he is the luckier of the two brothers, ending up with the pampered palace pet of Aurelia. His brother Brute, on the other hand, gets caged in the dungeons of the Colosseum and is abused, tormented and starved in preparation for the deadly entertainment of the arena with the armed gladiators and other exotic animals.

When sheltered Aurelia attends the Colosseum for the first time, the images of the cruel and horrid deaths of the gladiators, the outlawed Christians and the beautiful animals linger in her soul, haunting her dreams and days. It is then that she begins to realize that the father she's admired her entire life isn't as honorable as she'd believed, for he is the one responsible for the horrors at the Colosseum.

Then comes the day when a seemingly harmless prank lands Aurelia's beloved pet tiger and her secret love right into the dangerous depths of the Colosseum's arena to face Brute, the hungry and angry brother of Boots, in a fight to the death. Aurelia is forced to watch and finally face the injustices of her society.

As the author of THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD, and over 40 other books, the talented Lynne Reid Banks is no stranger to writing awesome stories. Her style flows elegantly and almost musically throughout the pages. In TIGER, TIGER she travels back through time to the barbaric years of the Roman rule where fellow men were enslaved and forced in the bloody arena to fight to the death in the name of entertainment. Readers will love this attention-grabbing story, and will learn a bit of history along the way.

A slight warning to those more tenderhearted readers: the cruelties done to animals (and people) in this time period can be difficult to read.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author

Editorial Review:

Two tiger cub brothers are town from the jungle and taken to Rome. The stronger cub is trained as a killer at the Coliseum. Emperor Caesar makes a gift of the smaller cub to his beautiful daughter, Aurelia. She adores her cub, Boots, and Julius, a young animal keeper, teaches her how to earn the tiger's trust. Boots is pampered while his brother, known as Brute, lives in a cold and dark cage, let out only to kill. Caesar trusts Julius to watch Aurelia and her prized pet. But when a prank backfires, Boots temporarily escapes and Julius must pay with his life. Thousands watch as Julius is sent unarmed into the arena to face the killer Brute.

One More River

Lynne Reid Banks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Remarkable Novel 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Banks writes about a complete, real-life situation about a Jewish family moving to find their genuine way of life. "A large part of the novel--set during the days before, during, and after the 1967 Six-Day War--chronicles Lesley's gradual, difficult adjustment, and her growing friendship from afar with Mustapha, an Arab boy. The story is fleshed out with numerous details about kibbutz life, farming, and military maneuvers, which bring a sense of realism." (Fader). Fader provides a perfect description of the plot of the book. Banks also includes Yiddish words with a glossary, which enhances the reading comprehension of the book for knowledge of a different language. This is a top rate novel for kids or teens, especially whom are interested in the Jewish religion, traveling, and war. "The story is set just before and during the 1967 Six Day War and helps to provide younger readers with an insight into the history of and politics of the time. It is simplistic in some ways but this is to be expected given the target age of its readers. It also helps to explain the optimism of the time and the assumption that Israeli occupation of the territories would be a short term thing - highly relevant given the ongoing conflict as many readers no doubt have questions about how it all started." (Shapiro).

Editorial Review:

"Were going to emigrate", The words dropped into Lesley's mind innocently...and exploded like a bomb. Emigrating meant leaving home for-ever. She couldn't beleive it. But her father had made up his mind."We're going where we can live on an edge...without challenges, We rot, mind, soul and body."Life on border Kibbutz in Isreal turns out to be one challenge after another for Lesley, who has always taken "the good life" for granted. At home she was popular, successful at school, and trendily dressed. Now it's all gone. A stranger in a strange land , she has to start from scratch, and that includes learning a new language, doing manual work and sharing sleeping quarters with three others -- one of them a boy. And just across the river Jordan she can see the enemy. Lesley doesn't think she'll ever adjust, or that she even wants to. But that's before the ultimate challenge of a full-scale war brings her to a new undestanding of her family, her people, and herself.