Maria Parr

We read the prequel to this book as a family, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So when I saw this sequel, I was intrigued—and immediately requested a review copy! What a fun story.

In much the same style as Adventures with Waffles, Trille and his best friend Lena get up to some incredible, hilarious scrapes in this story. They’ve clearly grown up some from the first book, but not enough to feel like they’re all new characters. I loved seeing their friendship change and grow as the book went show more on; it’s never romantic, rather just a wholesome, genuine friendship, and I love that.

Another thing I loved about this story (and its prequel!) was the family aspect of the book. I loved how Trille’s family lived and worked together—and the fact that they didn’t always get along that well; it felt very realistic! As someone from a large family, it’s encouraging to see a healthy family in contemporary middle-grade fiction like this.

There is a romantic thread through this story that wasn’t there in the first book. Usually, that kind of thing bothers me—I know pre- and early-teen children think about romantic things, but I don’t appreciate when that’s encouraged or pushed in books aimed at their age levels. In this case, I appreciated how that thread was wrapped up.

Oh, and did I mention that this book is set in Norway? I loved that aspect of the story—and Grandpa’s love of fishing!

Overall, this was a fun, fast, enjoyable read. I ended up loving it so much that almost as soon as I finished it, I decided to start it as a family read-aloud—and the first evening, my siblings wouldn’t let me quit reading until we got through 6-7 chapters! I think it’s safe to say they’re enjoying the story, too.

If you have enjoyed any of Maria Parr’s books, you’d likely enjoy this one. I’d also recommend it to anyone who’s enjoyed Astrid Lindgren’s stories, or even just enjoys stories about friends and family, such as in Jeanne Birdsall’s Penderwicks series or Elizabeth Enright’s The Melendy Quartet. It’s a good story!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. show less

I want to forget this book and read it all over again for the first time. Never has a middle-grade book made me feel so much. My heart flip-flopped with every chapter and I often caught myself holding my breath as I turned the pages. Each revelation was more dramatic than the last.

Having an “Astrid” of my own, each outburst and tantrum were both endearing and familiar. The relationships were unique and heartwarming. I didn’t know I could love fictional characters this much. Each show more chapter evoked tears and laughter.

Astrid is a modern day Heidi, full of charm and tenacity. She made me laugh out loud, champion for her causes, and love her more each page. She tackles problems with a ferocity that I admire and envy.
The author paints a picture of breathtaking scenery, beautiful vistas, and imposing, snow capped mountains. You can vividly imagine the roar of the river and feel the snow crunch beneath your feet. Warm spring air fills your nostrils as you breathe in the heady scent of new grass and spruce.

Everything about this story was magnificent. It is not a story that can be rushed, but must be thoroughly digested, thought about, reflected upon. It’s written age appropriately with themes that an adult can enjoy and appreciate. I would love to see this made into a film or a written series. I want more of the little thunderbolt of Glimmerdal. show less

Adventure is what happens when Lena and Trille get together. Since they live next door and are best friends, that means adventures are almost constant, and often disastrous. Heart-shaped waffles are the cure to adventure's, and life's, mishaps.

I fell in love with the Norwegian village of Mathildewick Cove and its inhabitants. Lena is the instigator and mischief-maker, reminscent of fun-loving Pippi Longstocking. Trille is a follower with a warm and worrisome heart who is constantly saving show more Lena from her impulsive actions. Grandpa joins in the fun with pirate skits on a moped. Auntie Granny serves up waffles for every occasion, good or bad. Trille's little sister, Krolle, spills the beans with innocent charm. Most of all, the children of Mathildwick Cove are gifted with lots of freedom in a safe and supportive community.

My favorite adventure was “Noah's Shark” when the inseparable two decide to out-do Noah and fill Uncle Tor's shark boat (a Norwegian fishing vessel) with as many animals as they can. Parr keeps the humor going with pithy dialogue and laughable scenes. Lena proclaims, “Ark is a pretty stupid name for a boat. That Noah could've thought up a better one. Maybe they hadn't invented all the letters of the alphabet yet. Since it was donkey's years ago.” Filling the boat with rabbits, chickens, goats, cats and insects was taking too long, so Lena and Trille snatched Uncle Tor's largest and best-behaved cow. When they return to the boat to see the goat eating the curtains, Lena screams. “The heifer was so scared by Lena's scream that she jumped a few feet up in the air and leaped onto the boat with a crash. She mooed madly into the sky and kicked out in all directions. The heifer slipped on the goat's droppings and kicked the window [and] jumped into the water… Then along came Uncle Tor.”

Summer fades into autumn and so do the adventures. As Trille and Lena wait impatiently for the coming of snow and sledding, disaster strikes. Parr segues masterfully from hilarity and pandemonium to sorrow and anger. “Death is almost like snow; you don't know when it's going to come, even if it tends to come in winter.” Trille learns the answer to Lena's question about the use of Dads when his father helps him face his first loss. Lena's disappearance means Trille also faces his first letdown from a friend.

A sure sign of a great book, I was reluctant for Adventures with Waffles to end. I will be on the lookout for more stories by Maria Parr. Best of all, I can return to this one when I need a dose of comfort and good writing.

My own dear Mother used to make waffles on a heart-shaped waffle iron. As with Trille, they were celebrations for adventure and comfort for difficulties. As with Trille, I was lucky to grow up in a beautiful place with plenty of freedom in a safe community.

Today, I make waffles for my family and friends. I try to put my heart into each one. show less

The only child in the valley of Glimmerdal, nine-year-old Astrid is delightfully impulsive -- a Pippi Longstocking for the 21st century. Her best friend and frequent conspirator in adventure is her elderly neighbor Gunnvald, though one day she is surprised to meet two children at the nearby resort. How is that possible, when Hagen's Wellness Retreat is strictly adults only? And who is the strange woman who arrives in the valley when Gunnvald is hospitalized? I loved the humor and Nordic show more spirit in this charming children's novel, though I could have done with fewer references to snus.

I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. show less