The Mystery of the Cupboard
Explanations for magic are often unnecessary and unwelcome in children's books (scratch that - in fantasy in general), but Lynne Reid Banks provides an excellent origin story for the cupboard and key and their mysterious properties.
I enjoy a good explanation when it can be found, and while some of the elements here might have been a bit forced, overall this was a great way to cap off the series, wipe the slate clean almost for future installments. There's only been one other one since, but there's still time for another to come out.
Here we have Omri's family moving, again, this time to a house inherited from a forgotten cousin in Dorset. Omri soon makes a discovery in the thatch of the roof and a surprisingly dark story comes to light. I remember those sad details making the story that much more riveting for me when I first read this at 8 or 9, but some of the concepts might be confusing or distressing to some children.
It has a very satisfying ending though and the figures Omri meets in this one always intrigued me. I wanted to know more about them and is proof enough that I wouldn't have been able to resist working the magic on more and more people. Just think of the people you could meet, the questions answered!
Omri and Little Bear
Previous: 'The Secret of the Indian'
Next: 'The Key to the Indian'
