The Secret of Platform 13

         By Eva Ibbotson

Reviewed by Jahnvi Vaidya

Under Platform 13 at Kings Cross station, there is a ‘gump’-a secret door that leads to a magical island. But it opens only once every nine years for exactly nine days.

Nine years ago, the Prince of the Island-who was only a baby, was kidnapped by Mrs. Trottle when his nurses had gone to the mainland. Though they tried everything they could think of, they could not get the Prince back. And the gump closed.

When the gump next opened, four mysterious figures stepped out onto the streets of London. A wise old wizard called Cornelius, a good fey called Gurkintrude, a strong giant-Hans, and a determined young hag called Odge.Their mission is to bring the Prince back to his real parents.

But the Prince has become a nasty, snobbish boy called Raymond Trottle who doesn’t understand magic at all. He only thinks about money and is spoilt and selfish. Raymond is determined not to be rescued and makes things very difficult for the rescuers. Will they succeed?

I thought this book was great! It was SUPER! When I was in the middle, it got so interesting, I couldn’t put it down. I would DEFINITELY recommend it. This book is one of my favourites and I think it’s fabulous.

MY RATING:  NINE STARS !