The Mysterious Pool
By Charlene McIver
Illustrations & Book Design by
Zoe Saunders
Published June 2021
ISBN 9780648417859 (Paperback)
BRONZE WINNER
The Mysterious Pool has received a Bronze Award in the Pre-Teen Fiction category at the 2021Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.
Join Leigh and his fifth-grade school friends, Tara and Cosmo from the "Squishy Sand" adventures, on a journey to a mysterious house in the woods. What treasures are revealed that will shock and astound them, and inadvertently uncover a hidden family secret?
Literary Titan Review, July 2021 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is such an adorable and inspiring book that any child will surely love and
I highly recommend it." Reviewed by: Thomas Anderson, Editor In Chief Literary Titan
Kirkus Review, July 2021.
"Charlene gives her character a way to experience mobility that celebrates rather than erases his wheelchair. This type of lovely scene is hard to find in children's books. The fantasy of saving endangered species and habitats also has strong appeal as well as the fun of potions, talking animals, and hidden wonders."
"Particularly inspiring for children and refreshing to see those with special needs being cast as a main character! An overall inspiring story with interesting conversations and magical encounters. This book is recommended for all children."
Review by Shrubaboti B. June 2021.
The book is full of magical mysteries and lively animal characters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A delightful read for children of any age. Younger children would love to have the story read to them. Beautifully illustrated throughout. Three friends, Leigh, Cosmo and Tara lead you on an adventure which uncovers a family secret. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and hope there are many more adventures for my grandson to follow."
Review by Kerry in Australia. July 2021
An expertly woven and enchanting tale…
"McIver combines adventure and magic to create an engrossing story of friendship, perseverance, acceptance, and understanding in her latest. When Leigh, Tara, and Cosmo set out for grandma’s house, they had no idea a magical adventure awaits them ahead. And though Leigh is wheelchair-bound, he has never let it hold him back. But the dangers are real this time. Will Leigh and his friends succeed in their mission. McIver’s taut, crisp prose conveys both character and emotion, and she succeeds in weaving together the vast detail: Leigh’s confidence and easy acceptance of his disability, the trio’s endearing friendship, the environmental concerns, wild-life habitat issues among others are woven in nicely. McIver shines in her rendering of her protagonists, skillfully capturing both the youngsters’ excitement about a new adventure and the seemingly nonchalant way they try to deal with scary situations. Leigh is not easy to forget. Zoe Saunders’s personality-laden illustrations are delightful. The book should easily make it to elementary-school readers’ bookshelves".
The Prairies Book Review, August 2021
