Review: Madame Pamplemousse and the Enchanted Sweet Shop

I adored the first book in this series, Madame Pamplemousse and the Time-Travelling Café by the talented Kingfisher. This author's storytelling style has an almost fable-like bent to it - and a magical nature that keeps readers permanently guessing.

I mean, who doesn't enjoy a bit of enchantment, and from the lolly shop front cover to the deliciously sweet way he writes and characterises his literary cast - it's just droolworthy.

In The Enchanted Sweet Shop, we once again meet young Madeleine, who is being bullied at school by Mirabelle, but is too ashamed to approach her good friend Madame Pamplemousse for help.

When Madeleine is approached by the overtly sugary Madame Bonbon, she can't imagine what lies in store when the sweets she is offered have a strange effect on her. But why is Madame Bonbon intent on encapturing Madeleine and is the old sweet shop owner everything she seems to be?

The oddities and universal laws of time travel make for another compelling tale from Kingfisher, who writes with an enchanting rhythm, and the ability to not only paint stunning Parisian street scapes, but bring characters to life through decadence, colour and quirkyness that's a real delight to read.

Clever and charming. I'm looking forward to orphan Madeleine's next adventure in Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles.

Title: Madame Pamplemousse and the Enchanted Sweet Shop
Author: Rupert Kingfisher    
Publisher: Bloomsbury, A$19.99, hard cover with dustjacket

Publication Date: October 2010

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408805053

For ages: 9-12

Type: Fiction

This book is available online