The Curio Collectors {Review}

 Lily and Tom are traveling the countryside with Ma Hawker, entertaining crowds with their curio collection.  Along the way they discover a very special piece of scrimshaw, one that young Flora Meriweather is interested in as well.  But she's not the only one.  Does this piece of scrimshaw hold the key to Flora's past?  And can Lily and Tom help her unlock its clues before it's too late?

Set in the late 19th century outside London, The Curio Collectors is a quick, but fun read for ages 8-12 years.  The characters are lovable, including Ma Hawker who acts as a adoptive mother to Lily and Tom.  The sibling relationship is sweet and a wonderful example to young readers, and the mystery storyline is believable without being too overwhelming.  The Curio Collectors is a wonderful novel where the story is engaging, but the writing is suitable for younger readers... a challenging balance to achieve, but which the author does wonderfully.  This would make a great book for young readers.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.