The 113th Assistant Librarian (Stuart Wilson, Penguin)

The 113th Assistant Librarian is a fantastical story that opens with Oliver Wormwood sneaking out of his house to try to find the trade that is his Calling—his path in life. As the sixth child in a heroic family, Oliver is humiliated when he fails at all the trades and is chosen as the 113th assistant librarian at the last minute. Not very heroic—or so it seems. But when Oliver’s mentor dies only minutes into his apprenticeship, Oliver is forced to take the reins at a library full of magical books, mysterious creatures and murders. With a humorous and light touch, Stuart Wilson (Prometheus High) creates a complex and gripping world. A hierarchy of professions, political intrigue and a philosophy of magic give the story depth, which belies its jokey tone and easy readability. Oliver finds himself thrust into a world where books can hurt or help you, joined by a team of library cats who seem to know more than they let on. His confusion and disbelief make him a relatable reader surrogate, and the book’s setting is perfect for enthusiastic young readers aged 9+, who will likely find themselves wishing they also lived in this library. For fans of Eoin Colfer or Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series, The 113th Assistant Librarian delivers an engaging mystery that reveals how Oliver’s curiosity, love of books and passion for learning make him courageous in his own way.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Fay Helfenbaum is a freelance writer and editor and was a bookseller for five years. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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