| Title | : | Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds (Orville Wellington Mouse #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0997195231 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780997195231 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 288 |
| Publication | : | First published April 23, 2016 |
| Awards | : | Readers' Favorite Book Award Young Adult - Adventure (Gold) (2016) |
A wildly inventive tale from the creator of Bartholomew the Adventurer. The Orville Wellington Mouse series is lots of fun, filled with adventure and humor, while still retaining the much deeper themes of spirituality, ethics, and metaphysics. A fun read for all ages!
Orville Wellington Mouse lives with his Mum in the quiet fishing village of Muridaan Falls, Symoca. His life takes an unexpected turn when he learns his best friend Sophia Mouse is not only from another planet, but is also a member of the Shapers Guild, a group of powerful mice who are able to convert their thoughts into physical objects.
When Orville notices a group of seven glowbirds exhibiting rather extraordinary behavior, he and Sophia attempt to uncover the origin of the unusual birds but soon find themselves enmeshed in a fiendish plot to embroil Symoca in a horrific war. Captured by the powerful and mysterious Red Mouse, the two adventurers are hurled through a spectral door into the terrifying world of Periculum, home of the dreaded giant carnivorous centipedes.
With help from the secretive Metaphysical Adventurers, Proto the Rabbiton, the Mad Mouse of Muridaan, a gigantic Gnorli bird, some ghostly Anarkkian warriors, and the enigmatic Monks of the Blue Robe, Orville and Sophia must find their way home and stop the evil Red Mouse before he destroys Symoca.
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds (Orville Wellington Mouse #1) Reviews
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If Orville Wellington Mouse and his sidekicks, Sophia and Proto, don't win your heart, I don't know what literary characters will. This is a very endearing and well-written story packed with delicately mentioned and appropriately placed visionary wisdom--none of it heavy-handed. As with many skillfully written contemporary visionary tales, it is also informed by deep physics. This aspect may be misunderstood by some readers as a fantasy element, which won't detract from the experience in any way. It is reader-available and works on every level of fantasy, symbolism, and science. Like Alice in Wonderland and other classics, it can be re-read as an adult, revealing layers and layers of enhanced dimension. It is no small feat to build a story around abstract metaphysical concepts and quantum physics while remaining 'tween' friendly. The author achieves this with fun, chatty dialogue, well-paced plot, and just plain adorable characters. Great read!
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On first glance Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds may seem like a young person's book but truly it is a book for the forever young part of us. The author writes in an entertaining manner but one that doesn't obscure the principles he is illustrating while he weaves his story. If you happen to be acquainted with metaphysical ideas you will recognize many of the situations and solutions as lessons in thinking in advanced sciences.
You will also be charmed by the characters and thrilled by the adventures.
Even if you are not acquainted with quantum physics or metaphysics you will still enjoy these books as imaginative fiction.... until the day you meet a very tall mechanical rabbit with a compassionate spirit. THEN you will be in for a treat! -
I listen to this one with my 11 year old daughter and we really enjoyed it. The story started out a little confusing but as we and stuck with it it quickly began to make sense. It was a fun mix of like a Geronimo Stilton type story and Five Kingdoms with the shaping magic. The author does set it up for a second book. I would recommend this book to those who like animal, fantasy, and adventure books.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. -
This book was quite a pleasant surprise. It's geared for a younger audience, but it is really a beautifully written story about little Orville Wellington Mouse and his adventures. I adored Orville.
Orville lives an ordinary life in the village of Muridaan Falls, Symoca. His best friend by far is Sophia Mouse.
Orville spends much time working in the Book Emporium with Master Marloh.
It eventually comes to light that both Sophia and Master Marloh are not who they appear to be. Sophia is from another planet, and she is in cahoots with Master Marloh - both are shapers and members of the Metaphysical Adventurer's. In time, Orville learns he is no ordinary mouse either.
The book is filled with fantastic, magical creatures, not the least of which are the glowbirds.
I loved the story - it was like being a kid again on Christmas morning as I was transported to this magical world. -
Hope
It's nice to think that there is a forever connection between people that matter a great deal to each other (as mentioned in the story), as well as the belief that love is one of the most powerful tools in the universe, (or several universes).
Very entertaining and imaginative. -
I work with children from 3 to 21 and usually with a disability of some sort - and I have read this with the mid-level kids. They love this and always want me to get them more of this series. Orville and his wonderful friend Sophia make an incredibly fun adventure.
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Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds by Tom Hoffman I loved the Deptford Mice books growing up and my fave Disney movie is Basil the Great Mouse Detective so I just had to read this book! Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds, is geared to (older) children, but for me it was still a magical read full of whimsical characters, and the world building is very creative.
Orville and his friend Sophia are members of the Metaphysical Adventurers, and this is Orville’s origin story if you like. He discovers Sophia is a Shaper and she in turn helps him discover that he is also in fact a Shaper – mice who are able to convert their thoughts into physical objects – which leads him to join the Metaphysical Adventurers.
The story will take you on a journey and transport you to the magical world that Hoffman has created, and for an adult it nice to be a child again and let you imagination go along with the story. I cant wait to read more of this series. -
Creakers that was AMAZING!
It masquerades as a Children's or Young Adult novel, but is so SO much more of a grand adventure than you could possibly dream! With new friends to make around every corner, and dangers to face with abnormally large tentacles and many many rows of teeth, this is one story you won't want to miss. I'm not even generally a fan of audio books, seeing as my tally of those listened to leans towards about THREE in my lifetime, but the FANTASTIC tale itself combined with the narrator's telling was a PERFECT combination...complete with an assortment of voices befitting each of our new friends... and even our enemies! It really and truthfully made this brilliant story come to life in a whole new way.
Seriously, by book's end, I was completely and utterly enchanted. You'll come for the magic, stay for the adventure, and come clamoring back for more as you learn along with our wonderful leads all the fantastical wonders that exist, the magic...I mean, science behind the extraordinary, and the true source of unlimited power. You'll also be left longing to meet Orville, Sophia, Proto, Master Marlowe, and the mysterious Blue Mouse...while snacking on an assortment of chocolate cremes and tasty little cakes! Hey, when you hear/read about them, you'll want them too...good thing there shan't be a shortage any time soon.
**audio edition received for review -
Best friends Orville and Sophia join the Metaphysical Adventurers Society, learn seemingly magical skills "based in deep physics," befriend a 10 ft mechanical rabbit and embark on a worlds-spanning quest to expose a murderer and prevent a war.
The protagonists are likable, the metaphysical philosophy makes the narrative more satisfying than merely a good yarn,
and the humor, of which this novel has plenty, is handled with consummate skill.
Highly recommended.
Sequel coming in Dec 2016.
-Mary Whealen -
I enjoyed Orville mouse and the puzzle of the clockwork glow birds. I know it is way below my age group but I really enjoyed it. This is a cute story with many chances to talk and teach younger non-readers life choices. Then as they get older they are ready to read alone. The biggest thing through the book is love, friendship, right from wrong and thinking of a different way to do something. The different worlds the mice live in will give you something to talk about for many hours.
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This is a neat story with unique ideas to fit the characters with laugh-out-loud humor scattered throughout.
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This was a really cute story with a much deeper meaning. On the surface, it seems like an easy and fun story about two mice going on an adventure to save the world from an a mouse trying to gain too much power. Orville Wellington Mouse and Sophia Mouse (unrelated to each other) are two best friends who must travel across time and space to find proof that the evil Draken Mouse murdered Sophia’s father. They are aided by Proto, a Rabbiton who loves making “tasty little cakes”. Along the way they also come across creatures such as carnivorous centipedes and a forgetful Gnorli bird among many others.
When you look deeper the book touches on profound ideas like finding your purpose in life and listening to your inner voice. As a Christian, I think many of the ideas and messages can be expanded upon to reflect Christian ideology (everyone has a purpose, everything is tied together, your inner voice is the Holy Spirit communicating with you etc.). If one is not a Christian or religious, the messages are still relevant and important. It’s about finding your place in the world and deciding what kind of “mouse” you want to be.
All in all I am excited to continue the series and see what happens next. Readers who have a Kindle Unlimited membership are able to read the entire series through that program. Below are two quotes (among many) I highlighted while reading.
“You are entering a period of great chaos and confusion, a time where you will face nearly insurmountable obstacles. These are called the fires of life, and they bring with them great change. Your actions during these times will determine the kind of mouse you shall become. If you remain true to your heart in the midst of such fires, you shall return to this world in possession of great wisdom and power beyond imagination.”
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds. p. 97
“Life was full of surprises, good ones and bad ones. She also knew that events which at first were impossibly painful and sad could change a mouse’s life in the very best of ways.”
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds. p. 192 -
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds is a charming adventure that kids of all ages can enjoy. Orville Mouse has finished school and has begun working when he learns that there is more to this world(s) than he knew. Soon Orville becomes a Metaphysical Adventurer and goes on his first adventure with his best friend Sophia, which of course, leads to more adventures.
One of the best parts of this book is that there isn't just one adventure. Yes - there is an overarching story, but within that story that are many mini-adventures that will keep a child interested and engaged in the story line. The characters are very likeable and have an enthusiastic and positive outlook no matter what their circumstances may be. One character that is especially likeable is Proto the rabbiton who is known for his love of making treats. We see Proto grow throughout the book as he makes friends, overcomes his fears, and also goes on his first adventure.
There were a couple of times toward the beginning that the dialogue felt a little awkward or something would be said that might draw a reader's attention away from the story. An example of this is when Orville learns Sophia's parents are deceased. Orville and Sophia are best friends, so wouldn't he naturally already know that information? But this is a minor quibble.
If you enjoy anthropomorphized animal stories this may be a good book choice. One of the fun parts in reading the story was coming across common phrases we use everyday to those changed to fit mice, such as changing 'gentleman' to 'gentlemouse'.
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds is the first in a series and is recommended for the young at heart.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review. -
I enjoy juvenile fiction, but I just couldn't get into this one. Seems interesting enough, with nice characters and good writing - but language and pacing is definitely 3rd/4th grade chapter book. Will try again when in a more elementary frame of mind. Would still recommend it to the appropriate age group!
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My Rating System:
* not worth finishing, ** wouldn’t recommend, *** would recommend, **** would highly recommend, ***** have/would read again. -
Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite * 5 stars
Tom Hoffman's young adult coming of age fantasy, Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds: An Orville Wellington Mouse Adventure is magical, exciting, witty and wise. It has marvelous characters and a smashing plot, and the story ties in quite nicely with the author's Bartholomew the Adventurer trilogy. As I began reading this rather remarkable steampunk fantasy, I soon felt a magical glow overwhelming me and a most pleasant alteration of my mood. This book made me smile. Of course, there was danger to be realized and not a little suspense as I read of Orville and Sophia's encounters with some rather terrifying off-world creatures, but the sterling company I was privileged to be a part of made even the most gigantic centipede with gnashing teeth seem manageable somehow. I am a huge fan of Bartholomew the Adventurer and the other unforgettable personalities inhabiting Hoffman's first trilogy and was thrilled to discover that the Orville Wellington Mouse Adventures were set in much the same universe. Orville Wellington Mouse is a Metaphysical Adventurer Extraordinaire, and I'm anxiously awaiting news of his and Sophia's next adventure. Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds: An Orville Wellington Mouse Adventure is most highly recommended. -
Review of Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds (Audiobook)
by Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
"Today, I'm over the moon to be sharing a recent LISTEN I had of the first book in what promises to be an AMAZING series. What's that? You caught the "listen" part? Well yes, I did in fact partake of the AUDIO version of this book (graciously shared by the author), and I'm not kidding in the least when I say...I absolutely ADORED it! Seriously, as much as I LOVE my paper books (and the fact that I went out and bought the set via BAMM.com attests to that fact!), I can't imagine this one being done any better. The voices were perfect, the narration speed wonderful, the emotions fully articulated in every scene...shall I keep going? Well I will, just not in this vein because there's still the STORY to get to.
It masquerades as a Children's or Young Adult novel, but is so SO much more of a grand adventure than you could possibly dream! With new friends to make around every corner, and dangers to face with abnormally large tentacles and many many rows of teeth, this is one story you won't want to miss. I'm not even generally a fan of audio books, seeing as my tally of those listened to leans towards about THREE in my lifetime, but the FANTASTIC tale itself combined with the narrator's telling was a PERFECT combination...complete with an assortment of voices befitting each of our new friends... and even our enemies! It really and truthfully made this brilliant story come to life in a whole new way.
Seriously, by book's end, I was completely and utterly enchanted. You'll come for the magic, stay for the adventure, and come clamoring back for more as you learn along with our wonderful leads all the fantastical wonders that exist, the magic...I mean, science behind the extraordinary, and the true source of unlimited power. You'll also be left longing to meet Orville, Sophia, Proto, Master Marlowe, and the mysterious Blue Mouse...while snacking on an assortment of chocolate cremes and tasty little cakes! Hey, when you hear/read about them, you'll want them too...good thing there shan't be a shortage any time soon."
https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.co... -
Unfortunately, this was a forgettable story. It had some awkward dialogue, but I suppose it would be good for children.
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Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds by Tom Hoffman is the first in the series Orville Wellington Mouse. We follow Orville and his friend Sophia in an attempt to stop the evil Red Mouse before he destroys Symoca.
This is an imaginative tale that kids of all ages will enjoy. It's full of whimsical characters, and the world building is very creative. -
This book is a wonderful, simple, family-friendly adventure with very likable characters and warm interaction between close friends. It is a comfortable adventure book which encourages you to dream big. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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•audiobook•
3.25 Stars
I liked the uniqueness from the book description, but as the story progressed, the formula was pretty standard and easily guessed.
The world building was good, but kind of weak. It was hard imagining mice performing these tasks. I understand they had humanistic characteristics, but ladder climbing? I think I just expected a more creative atmosphere.
It’s a tolerable tale and fit for young ears. Fun with science with some moral lessons sprinkled throughout.
The part about dreams and unlimited power was intriguing.
Jason Zenobia performed a flawless delivery and provided differential voices for the many characters. It was easy to lose yourself in this book as he read.
