Legend of the Star Runner: A Timmi Tobbson Adventure - Softcover

Wagner, J I

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3963267771 ISBN 13: 9783963267772

Publisher: Freshabooks, 2018

Synopsis

"With the exuberance of a caper, determined protagonists, and a message steeped in family legacy, this is a splendid homage to adventure." - FOREWORD MAGAZINE - 5 out of 5 Unravel 'solve-them-yourself picture mysteries' and uncover the Legend of the Star Runner! Following the clues concealed within a centuries-old family legacy, Timmi Tobbson and his friends hope to save a dear friend. But only twenty-four hours remain to unravel the legend of a long-lost pirate ship, buried somewhere deep beneath the city streets. Unbeknownst to them, their search awakens a mystical dark power, sworn to protect what is hidden on board the once famous Star Runner. Mysteries to Solve The adventure is divided into 31 concise chapters, each of which ends with a puzzle to be solved by finding and interpreting visual clues concealed within a beautiful color illustration. Suited for explorers and sleuths young and old. Children under 8 years may need assistance in solving some of the puzzles. Grade level: 3rd and up. Beautiful Color Illustrations Legend of the Star Runner gives readers the best of both worlds, merging the visual appeal of a graphic novel with text-based storytelling's power to spark imagination. Fun Facts The illustrations of most Timmi Tobbson characters were inspired by actors and/or their fictional characters from well-known movies. Marvin was inspired by Gaten Matarazzo's performance as Dustin in Stranger Things. Sir London was inspired by Christopher Lloyd's interpretation of Dr. Emmet Brown in Back to the Future. Lotterlulu was inspired by Johnny Depp's character Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean as well as Dustin Hoffman's performance in Hook. The Guardian was inspired by the looks of American actor, director and producer Danny DeVito. Lilli's Grandpa was inspired by Sir Sean Connery's portrayal of the father of Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. Psst: This book contains a puzzle which is unrelated to the story and involves all thirty-one main illustrations. Shelve under: mystery books for kids 9-12 mystery books for kids 8-10 adventure books for boys adventure books for girls chapter books for kids age 9-12 chapter books for kids age 8-10 graphic novels kids books for intermediate readers books for reluctant readers solve riddles, solve puzzles, solve mysteries crack the case like a sleuth choose your own adventure books for kids 9-12 choose your own adventure books for kids 8-10 Especially for fans of: Adventures of the Black Hand Gang Gravity Falls Get a Clue Captain Underpants A to Z Mysteries Dog Man Boxcar Children Encyclopedia Brown Hardy Boys Ballpark Mysteries Seek and Find / Hidden Pictures Video Games Featuring Exploration Video Games Featuring Puzzle Solving Point and Click Adventure Games

About this title

Review:

Foreword Reviews Magazine (scored 5 out of 5)

• "A splendid homage to adventure"
• "A visual feast"
• "Large-hearted"

A spirited trio of kid sleuths undertake a classic treasure hunt in J. I. Wagner's Legend of the Star Runner. Taking its inspiration from video games and cloak-and-dagger mysteries, this story for middle-grade readers is a visual feast.
Lilli's grandfather is facing eviction. With the prospect of a pirate's treasure guiding them, she and her best friends, Marvin andTimmi, set out to find the loot to rescue him from his debts. A large-hearted, naïve, and wildly improbable plot delights as the fearless team - led by a treasure hunter - lands in a series of underground worlds.
Several twists and turns hinge on pure luck, timing, and uncanny perceptions. A reliance on video-game staples, including hidden passageways, trapdoors, puzzles, maps, and multiple-choice paths, sometimes threatens to turn the book into a high-concept maze. Still, what the story misses in the depth of its background, the illustrations make up for; they are smart compositions using chromatic palettes and feature clues. From a cluttered kitchen to the check-in desk at the Savoy to a wall of keys at an archive, scenes set a distinct mood for the story.
The tone is wisely calibrated; it's neither overly terrifying nor overly lighthearted. The perils the group encounter pose enough danger to build suspense yet leave room for escape. There's seldom doubt that the kids will prevail, considering their Holmesian knack for observation; the book's pleasure rests in their citywide ranging that peels back history to reveal the secrets of a legendary pirate embedded in their midst.
A list of fun facts lists the book's film influences, which include Pirates of the Caribbean, and a section of hints offers insights written in reverse. With the exuberance of a caper, determined protagonists, and a message steeped in family legacy, this first in a planned series is a splendid homage to adventure.
Reviewed by Karen Rigby

May/June 2018
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The author of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the author for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

From the Author:

A lot of love and attention to detail went into creating Legend. Did you
spot an email address in one of the illustrations? Try sending a message
and see what happens... but there is more to it than pure entertainment.

A Story for the Heart - A Challenge to the Mind

This is a story about friendship first and foremost. A story for the heart.
And about the drive to explore, to inquire and to second-guess. All three
main characters require perserverance and courage to succeed, and
derive the necessary strength from their friendship.

Gets Kids' Eyes Off Screens

This book is designed to also engage today's young video gamers and
water their taste for books. One of the main reasons for the appeal of
video games is a frequent feeling of accomplishment. This book is
designed to achieve the same. The 31 concise chapters, each ending with
a puzzle to be solved, provide an equally rewarding experience. The
high-quality visuals are another reason video gaming kids will feel right
at home.

Will Girls Like the Book too?

My wife and I are proud parents of our super-cute (no bias here)
daugther Emmelie. It was important to me to create a character with
Lilli, who is ready to take the lead and make things happen. Who doesn't
care about what society expects but about fulfilling her own dreams and
ambitions.

So yes, I created this story with girls in mind. Hopefully, my daughter
(and you too) will love it the way I do.

Have fun!

About this edition

• Publisher: Freshabooks
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 3963267771
• ISBN 13: 9783963267772
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168
• Illustrator: Froehlich C