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Z. R. Southcombe
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The Caretaker of Imagination (The Caretaker Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Z. R. Southcombe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
FINALIST for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards 2016 - Best Youth Novel
Category Bored with his normal life, John Carroll runs away with his faithful cat in search of adventure. When he meets a real-life pirate, John realizes there is much more to the world than he’d ever thought possible – magic is real, and in desperate need of a hero. John must convince the (once fearsome) Captain Simon Peabody to join him on a fantastic and perilous quest to find the only person who can save magic from being lost forever: the Caretaker of Imagination. This wondrous tale harks back to the style of classic children’s literature. Perfect as a read-aloud, it is sure to delight readers of all ages.
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  1. Reading age
    7 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 4
    The Caretaker Series
  3. Print length
    74 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    4 - 9
  6. Accessibility
    Learn more
  7. Publication date
    March 20, 2015
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0473293024
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00UB7IH9S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ZR Southcombe
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 20, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 74 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0473293024
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Caretaker Series
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings

About the author

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Z. R. Southcombe

Z. R. Southcombe

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Z.R. Southcombe (Zee) is a writer and artist. Her books are written for children, but with their wild sense of imagination, rich vocabulary and emotional resonance they are loved by readers of all ages. Her artwork also draws on her imagination, seeking emotive resonance in the viewer. Zee also loves the freedom and hands-on nature of zine-making, and has several zines available about writing (and other things).

A true creative, Zee usually has a few creative projects on the go, but no matter what project she is currently working on, Zee is usually accompanied by a cup of tea.

Zee makes art for her own fulfillment, but loves when she can share her passion with others, inspiring them to follow their own dreams – wherever they may lead.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
39 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable and well-written, particularly appreciating its imaginative storyline. One customer notes that the dialect used for Simon is wonderful, while another mentions it's appropriate as middle-grade fiction. They consider it suitable for children, with one review highlighting how it stretches children's learning.

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ReadabilityStory qualityBook for kids
5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, with one mentioning they eagerly read it every night before bed.

"...(done very well) and matters of feeling...." Read more

"...He is now reading the second book in the series. I highly recommend this series and will be buying everything written by Z.R. Southcombe for my..." Read more

"...of language to stretch children's learning as well as being a good fun read for them, taking them out of..." Read more

"What a great little book this is. The theme is all about breaking out of your rut and re-discovering old secrets. it left me wanting more...." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the imaginative storyline of the book and find it well written, with one customer noting the wonderful dialect used for the character Simon.

"...accountant is a stroke of genius --the book is still appropriate as middle grade fiction, but there is another layer added if you read it as an adult..." Read more

"...Although the story is interesting and certainly keeps your attention I have awarded it 3 stars due to the poor editing/punctuation...." Read more

"...It was well written, funny, creative, and had an imaginative story line. Jon's thinking made me laugh out loud many times...." Read more

"...Very well written, expansive use of language to stretch children's learning as well as being a good fun read for them, taking them out of..." Read more

3 customers mention "Book for kids"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for children, with one mentioning it stretches children's learning.

"...I believe this is a book written for children that adults might enjoy reading to children...." Read more

"...Very well written, expansive use of language to stretch children's learning as well as being a good fun read for them, taking them out of..." Read more

"This book certainly is not only for kids. A short, but pleasurable grand adventure in defense and in search of imagination and story telling...." Read more

A Fun-Packed book for kids of all age groups
4 out of 5 stars
A Fun-Packed book for kids of all age groups
*Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in return for an HONEST review. I want you guys to know that I can rate a book very poorly and I won't care at ALL about what the author would say. But, this was a case in which I REALLY liked/loved this book. Children's books really are imagination boosters for the readers. This book is not the usual one. It is based on the story of a 42 YO man, John Carroll, who is really in the need to escape his Über-boring lifestyle and seek an adventure. So, he sets off along with his cat, Theo, in his car to go wherever destiny would lead him. He enters a café and suspects his waiter, Simon, as a pirate. Being the stubborn person that he was, he pestered the waiter to confirm it. After much of hard work, he finally reveals the truth. A series of events take place during his adventures which he goes to along with the retired pirate. These are so fun to read and elate the readers'/listeners'minds to an amazing extent. My the middle, he understands why the world is losing its imagination and people don't believe in magic, which actually exists in the world. Thus, he takes the responsibilty upon himself, to restore the dimming magic from the people's lives. Most of the situations in the story that are related to the real life situations, seem to be humorous and smart. But, a few could be replaced with another ones, like this one - "His disappointment could only be compared to waking up on Christmas morning to find out that Santa isn't real (which he is, ofcourse)". I also feel that some points which are meant to seem plausible (even though this book is a children's fantasy fiction are going very much OverTheTop... CONCLUSION:- This book is a package prepared by wizards, dragons, pirates, bakers, forest creatures and Theo (the cat) filled with lots of fun for the little ones to savor. It will give a message on how important stories are for people. Indeed, one of the best children's book I've ever read.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • A. Bookbinder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure of the classic kind
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Caretaker of Imagination reads in the style of the classic quest stories. There are lovely details throughout, and the book moves easily between humor (done very well) and matters of feeling. Having a main character who is a 42-year old accountant is a stroke of genius --the book is still appropriate as middle grade fiction, but there is another layer added if you read it as an adult. The characters are well written and well rounded, but my favorite has to be Theo, the cat. You'll see.
    I cannot wait to read the next in the series to find out what happens with a few clues and characters that were introduced in this, the first of a series.
    Southcombe writes engaging stories. A great pick.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Arjun Randhawa
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun-Packed book for kids of all age groups
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2015
    Format: Kindle
    *Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in return for an HONEST review.

    I want you guys to know that I can rate a book very poorly and I won't care at ALL about what the author would say. But, this was a case in which I REALLY liked/loved this book.

    Children's books really are imagination boosters for the readers. This book is not the usual one. It is based on the story of a 42 YO man, John Carroll, who is really in the need to escape his Über-boring lifestyle and seek an adventure. So, he sets off along with his cat, Theo, in his car to go wherever destiny would lead him. He enters a café and suspects his waiter, Simon, as a pirate. Being the stubborn person that he was, he pestered the waiter to confirm it. After much of hard work, he finally reveals the truth.

    A series of events take place during his adventures which he goes to along with the retired pirate. These are so fun to read and elate the readers'/listeners'minds to an amazing extent. My the middle, he understands why the world is losing its imagination and people don't believe in magic, which actually exists in the world. Thus, he takes the responsibilty upon himself, to restore the dimming magic from the people's lives.

    Most of the situations in the story that are related to the real life situations, seem to be humorous and smart. But, a few could be replaced with another ones, like this one -
    "His disappointment could only be compared to waking up on Christmas morning to find out that Santa isn't real (which he is, ofcourse)". I also feel that some points which are meant to seem plausible (even though this book is a children's fantasy fiction are going very much OverTheTop...

    CONCLUSION:- This book is a package prepared by wizards, dragons, pirates, bakers, forest creatures and Theo (the cat) filled with lots of fun for the little ones to savor. It will give a message on how important stories are for people. Indeed, one of the best children's book I've ever read.
    Customer image
    Arjun Randhawa
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    A Fun-Packed book for kids of all age groups

    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2015
    *Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in return for an HONEST review.

    I want you guys to know that I can rate a book very poorly and I won't care at ALL about what the author would say. But, this was a case in which I REALLY liked/loved this book.

    Children's books really are imagination boosters for the readers. This book is not the usual one. It is based on the story of a 42 YO man, John Carroll, who is really in the need to escape his Über-boring lifestyle and seek an adventure. So, he sets off along with his cat, Theo, in his car to go wherever destiny would lead him. He enters a café and suspects his waiter, Simon, as a pirate. Being the stubborn person that he was, he pestered the waiter to confirm it. After much of hard work, he finally reveals the truth.

    A series of events take place during his adventures which he goes to along with the retired pirate. These are so fun to read and elate the readers'/listeners'minds to an amazing extent. My the middle, he understands why the world is losing its imagination and people don't believe in magic, which actually exists in the world. Thus, he takes the responsibilty upon himself, to restore the dimming magic from the people's lives.

    Most of the situations in the story that are related to the real life situations, seem to be humorous and smart. But, a few could be replaced with another ones, like this one -
    "His disappointment could only be compared to waking up on Christmas morning to find out that Santa isn't real (which he is, ofcourse)". I also feel that some points which are meant to seem plausible (even though this book is a children's fantasy fiction are going very much OverTheTop...

    CONCLUSION:- This book is a package prepared by wizards, dragons, pirates, bakers, forest creatures and Theo (the cat) filled with lots of fun for the little ones to savor. It will give a message on how important stories are for people. Indeed, one of the best children's book I've ever read.
    Images in this review
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  • Richard and Liz
    3.0 out of 5 stars ~~ Moving from the real world into the magical realm ~~
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Starting off a little silly and quirky we meet John, a 42 year old accountant, who has decided it is time for an adventure. Leaving his house to his sister and informing her that he is running away but not to call the police he hopes that she will understand. Off he goes in Myrtle, his beloved car, with Theo, his cat, by his side.

    John is convinced that the waiter in the fish 'n' chips shop is a pirate. Simon, this so-called pirate, ends up giving John a map and a package for someone called Edgar Lewis. Where does Edgar live? In a tree house! Who exactly is Edgar? A mouse and no ordinary mouse! Edgar can talk! What is in the package? A book of old stories. Apparently Edgar used to share these stories with the forest creatures and travelers but folks stopped coming as they got tangled up in the drudgery of everyday life. Are things going to change now?

    Is the future of Imagination at stake? Will Simon help John find the wizard who knows the Caretaker of Imagination? What about the pirates and dragon they encounter?

    IMPORTANT to note that this is the first book in a trilogy (set of 3) so although there is an ending of sorts you will likely be enticed to get the next book to keep reading. Although the story is interesting and certainly keeps your attention I have awarded it 3 stars due to the poor editing/punctuation. There are a LOT of 'run on' sentences! For e.g. "Well, how do you know you can't then?" said John, "let's go baking!"
    Should read: "Well, how do you know you can't then?" said John. "Let's go baking!"

    The Kindle version of this book does have a linked index so easy to find your chapter if lost. The dialect used for Simon is wonderful! The illustrations are a little on the small side. (I have a Paperwhite.) There is one incident where the words "old bugger" are used. I am presuming that the author is British as the book is written in British English. A great deal of potential here albeit that this book is aimed at children with a grown man as the main character. At 108 pages and 23 chapters this is suitable for older, independent readers but would also be great as a read aloud. I have not been put off and will read the next book in the series. I was able to obtain this book for my Kindle when it was offered FREE. I was not required to do a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
    Helpful
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  • Kari
    5.0 out of 5 stars a magical book that makes your 7 year old WANT to read!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    My son is in second grade, he has excelled at reading since the moment we began teaching him. He does not "like" to read though. I knew if I found the right books for him that he would change his mind and become a book lover. The caretaker of imagination is exactly what he needed! He was eager to read it every night before bed and was excited to tell me about the book. He is now reading the second book in the series. I highly recommend this series and will be buying everything written by Z.R. Southcombe for my little reader!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mr. C. Southcombe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting new book by Z R Southcombe
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A delicately written book by a skillful young wordmaster. A pleasure to read and ideal for young readers, adults reading to children and adults wanting to find their childhood again. Deserves to be read by many many people.
    Report
  • Chris Graham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Release YOUR inner child!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    John is a rather unusual hero, he's a 42 year old accountant who would much rather still be a child.
    Then one day, he decides to give in to his childishness, wear his most outrageous shirt, take his cat, Theo, and go on an adventure.
    The first person he meets is a Waiter called Simon, who seems to say "ARR" quite a lot....
    Thus begins a tale involving Pirates, an unusual Dragon and other magical beings.
    A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read with great little illustrations.
    Report
  • Meera
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great little book that brings to life the need for ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great little book that brings to life the need for a good imagination even as an adult. Well worth a read by people of all ages. It moves fast enough to keep even the most active child entertained. Pirates and talking animals win out over real life any day.
    Report
  • Peter Scott
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Not a bad read, with a few pictures to help. It might benefit from a little more explanation/background in a couple of places, and didn't seem quite long enough.
    Report

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