The Treehouse Library

Pages & Co. #5

by Anna James

A magical botanist
A peculiar potion
A secret garden
A famous monster
A return to the underlibrary

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Books About Books, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

First published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Suhailah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Anyone with a good imagination does that all the time anyway; we see gaps where stories might be hiding.”

The Treehouse Library is the 5th installment in the Pages & Co Bookwanderers series and the 2nd book in the unexpected trilogy focused on the side character Milo.

As the 4th installment ended with an abundant # of loose ends, this story suffered a bit during the first third of the story. It was like major info dump! I was immediately pulled out of the story, bored and slowly trying to push through. This should have been a much quicker read for me, but I struggled for this very reason. It was missing the light airy imaginative feeling the first few books in the series captured perfectly.

Needless to say, I didn’t give up since I’ve been pretty devoted to the series and own all the books. It finally started to move when Milo and Alessia, teaming up with the botanist of course, started to solve the recipe to get the ingredients they needed to wake up Milo’s uncle Horatio. They finally start to bookwander, and it gets exciting all over again! That definitely brought back some of the original magic.

Though I can’t help but agree with another reviewer on the thread here that this book almost seems forced or pushed out by the author just to keep making $$. The info dump really supports this conclusion!

But one thing this book series has opened my eyes to is the fact that I missed reading many classic books in my childhood. The author must have grew up reading classics or developed quite a devoted background to it because she never fails to mention yet another book I’ve missed reading that I shouldn’t have in my younger years. Therefore, I’ve relentlessly been sweeping through classic titles and adding them to my TBR list. For example, this book in particular had me craving to read some nonsense poetry. Never having read or heard of anything by Edward Lear has me extremely interested in getting my hands on some of his work!

I’m awarding this a total rating of 4 stars though it initially clocked in at 2 stars because of the rough start. Looking forward to the last installment of the series (I guess it will be the last lol) and watching for when I can preorder!

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series. Not only is story the magic in this world, the characters are great, the book design is unparalleled in contemporary middle-grade fiction, and family and friendships make a strong if complex core of the novel. I found some passages especially heart-filling in this one, as young readers reflect on the books that made them, and discuss the reading life in the context of bookwandering.

With children's adventure stories, I often find myself tired of constant action. This series is always better-paced because they frequently wander into books, and orient themselves before things happen. It is quieter in a way, but certainly never boring!

At the end, Anna James includes a list of books that she would love to use for bookwandering but cannot due to copyright. Diana Wynn Jones, Norton Juster, Hilary McKay, and more. I love that as much as I love any further reading list, which is to say, very much.

Looking forward to the sixth and final installment.

Books wandered:
The Secret Garden
"The Owl and the Pussy-Cat"
"Jabberwocky"
Robin Hood
Arthurian legend

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted PR copy of this book to read as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK in exchange for an honest review.

The Treehouse Library is the fifth book in the Pages & Co series by Anna James and is the first book in this series that I've read so far. I didn't find I needed to have read the previous books as I was able to piece things together but I will be getting and reading them with my daughter at some point in the future. This was such a fun read and had me dreaming of bookwandering in magical places (especially Narnia or Wonderland). The characters are sweet and likeable and I enjoyed seeing their friendship building and how they worked as a team. They haven't had it easy and had some disappointments and obstacles to get through in this book. I'm hoping their path is smoother sailing into the next book of the series but I'm sure there's more problems to be unearthed. If your children love magic and adventure this is a perfect book and series for them!

[Anne (ReadEatGameRepeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I remember from my review for the previous book in this series I was a little worried, I didn't love it as much as the first 3 books in the series and I couldn't pinpoint why, I still don't know why, but whatever it was its gone from this book. I loved this so much, I was immersed I was on board with the plot (pun intended), it was really interesting to see where the story went and I kind of need book 6 like now (one of the benefits of being late to the party, because I believe the next book is out already).

Also as always the illustrations in this book are wonderful & I love how they are interwoven with the story.

[Odette Brethouwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deze serie heeft een speciaal plekje in mijn hart (en in mijn boekenkast). Maar dit deel kon me minder bekoren.

Ik vond dat het verhaal heel traag op gang kwam. En toen het eenmaal op gang was, greep het me niet enorm.

Wel weer wat leuke details enzo, maar ik ben niet overdonderd zoals bij de andere delen, helaas...

[Muzmuz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man this was unexpected… and while I loved the book, it felt a bit weird having tilly not being the main character…. Still the story is amazing and that cliffhanger…. Come on Anna you are cruel.
Can’t wait for the last book to be released.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ - I liked it a lot!

I did like Tilly as a main character more, so books 1-3.
But these are still very lovely and adventurous with Milo 😊❤️

[Jasmine (bokugglor) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5! Så så bra!

[Hannah Brandt (den.brandte.bogreol) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ejj den kan jo ikke slutte der🫣

3,5

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a dedicated reader of this series and will see it out to the end. It's disappointing, though, that Tilly is now only a minor character, with the very boring Milo taking top billing, this time joined by Alessia, the evil Alchemist's daughter, as a sidekick. As in Volume 4, the plot and world-building are overcomplicated and detract from what has been the real joy of the books: the actual bookwandering. Here we briefly travel into "The Owl and the Pussycat," "The Jabberwocky," and the Robin Hood legends. Those scenes are highlights. It's also a touch unfortunate that James has to mention in an afterword (in which she recommends more recent children's books) that her series includes old books because they are out of copyright, as if, were it not for that technicality, the classics wouldn't be as worthy of spotlighting.

A favourite passage:

"You don't ever have to really know why you like a poem or a story or a book. If something in it speaks to something in you, then that's all there is to it."

[Jacq.and.the.readstalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues to be such an enjoyable series! James always knows how to construct such fantastical adventures!

The imagination and the detail behind book wandering is nothing short of fascinating and magical! Not only that, I feel for younger readers that is easy to comprehend without being too complicated and yet still incorporates all these whimsical layers to build such a fantastic and thought-out world.

I was super glad that Tilly and Oskar rejoined the series! Together the characters add another wholesome feel, reminiscent of the characters in the book that they read, which goes to show how much influence reading can take hold in shaping a person's life, their beliefs and morals. The plot was equal mixtures of enchanting and thrilling.

A true novel dedicated to the wonders and magic of reading and books. I wholeheartedly recommend this series to all bookworms, wanderers, and dragons!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series a lot, but it's getting to a point where I feel like the writer and publisher are pushing out books just for the hell of it. Half of the book was pointless exposition and people talking about the events that had happened in previous books, and the story didn't really pick up until about the last five chapters. I feel like the entire story could have been told in 100 pages rather than the several hundred we got. The same criticism that I had for book #3 still holds true here: I want more action and less talking.

That being said, I love Oscar and would bookwander through a million books for him. The little glimpses that we got of him were enough to push my rating to three stars, rather than two. I also liked the Robin Hood chapters (and wish we could have gotten more of him!)

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun and fast to read. Loved milo so much..

[Mandy (Bookishlove85) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even tho I had spoiled myself for the surprise in this book, I still really enjoyed it! It’s bitter sweet to move onto the finale of this amazing series. 🥹💜

[Annika Ringnalda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Dreximgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do like this series, it's really entertaining. I enjoyed this one even though Tilly was a secondary character, I quite liked the focus on Milo as I kind of adore him.

That cliffhanger tho! Evil!

[KW · Rating 4 out of 5]

God I love these books

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pages & Co. #5: The Treehouse Library by Anna James – I adore this middle grade mystery/fantasy mystery. I’ve listened to all of them and now eagerly await my hold to come in of the newest entry into the series. Book five was a little different than the others as the major focus was on side characters Milo and Alessia, but still equally enjoyable. I really want to at least visit this treehouse library if not live in it myself. This is the perfect series for booklovers of all ages. I can’t get enough and I’m always sorry when the stories end.

[Ella Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING as usual. Anna James really has a talent. Loved that she incorporated old myths and fairytales and new technology. Original and incredible. Definable recommend.

[Susannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good. Milo and Alessia are trying with the help of The Botanist to find a cure for Milo’s uncle so that they can defeat the Alchemist. This involves getting some imaginary ingredients from Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll, Robin Hood and The Secret Garden. As usual the book wandering scenes were brilliant especially The Jabberwocky, this is one of my favourite poems and Anna really did this justice. This book has great messages for children and generally is a joy to read. I love the detail in the book magic and story and imagination etc and how this all works, it is so detailed and clearly much thought and planning has gone into this.

[Bethany Gorski]

This was good, but until the very last page I was convinced that this was the final book and I'm mad that it isn't lol

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penultimate Instalment in a Series that I have fallen in Love with, Pages & Co is like receiving a Hug from a Family Member that you love it’s such a magical book full of the Power of Books, Reading and Bookwandering. It’s Honestly a Series that I think everyone no matter your age should read, and I know you will enjoy.

The Treehouse Library picks up right after the events of book 4 with Milo and Alessia traveling to find Botanist and try to find the cure for his uncle & against the clock they start this search through the pages of some true fictional classics foraging in the Secret Garden, challenging Robin Hood, and confronting the mighty Jabberwock.
The Alchemist is hot on their tail and will stop at nothing to ensure that he wins can unlock the powerful secrets of The Book of Books.

This Book focus is on Milo and him going on his adventure and whilst at the start it took a while to get used to, I enjoyed his experience a lot and its clear to see that Milo has grown as the chapters went on, he is learning to accept himself and the powers he has as well as knowing that he matters and is important just like his friends are.

Anna James is such an incredible writer being able to bring this all to life and reading this book feels Like I’m book wandering into the Pages with the characters, The writing is creative, and I love how James can bring this story to life.

As much as I don’t want the series to end, I want and need the next and final book to this series so I can see what happens next as what a Cliffhanger to leave it on

[Brandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect continuation of the last book in the series and just as spectacular as all four that came before!! In this story, we follow more of Milo as he tries to figure out how to outsmart the Alchemist and save his uncle. We also get to meet the Botanist in this book along with some other fabulous characters on his quest to find the ingredients to help create the potion they need. Quite a few questions are answered but of course with every answer, more questions seem to pop up. The crew travel into some fabulous stories, a few that were personally my own favorites! But of course, get ready for....ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!!!! If you can't stand to read series with huge cliffhangers, then wait until you can read the entire series all in one go. I cannot wait for the 6th book to be published! Just like the rest of the series, highly recommend!! Thank you Anna James for brining this fabulous series into our world!!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit to being slightly disappointed when the MC changed from Tilly after book 3 and my enjoyment of book 4 was lessened somewhat, but oh my gosh this one was blooming brilliant, I flew through it and I didn't want it to end especially as it did.
This book picks up where book 4 ends, Milo our new MC and sidekick Alessia are on the hunt for the Alchemist via the Botanist travelling on the Quip a magical train.
Milo as a character grows so much through this story and Alessia totally shines as his sidekick / best friend.
Tilly and Oskar make a small appearance and I'm glad at how that came to be.
The story itself was fast paced and the stories they visit included one of my favourite children's classics ever.
Wonderful, magical and just pure brilliant.

[Pernille Anette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anmeldelse af "Den Magiske Boghandel 5 - Biblioteket i Træhulen" af Anna James
Udgivet hos Harper Collins Nordic

DETTE ER BIND 5 I EN SERIE - SPOILERS KAN FOREKOMME!

Milo og Alessi skal finde Botanikeren. Da de finder hende finder de også noget andet! Det sætter dem ud på en længere rejse i og uden for bøgerne.

Bogen var ret god - dog synes jeg ikke de rejste så meget i bøgerne som i de tidligere udgaver.

Det kunne være rart med en liste i starten som forklarer de forskellige titler i worldbuildingen f.eks. Hvad er arkivarer? Hvem er Artemis? Jeg havde glemt meget af det fra sidst jeg læste - og det gav mig lidt udfordringer i starten.

Slutningen var jeg mega vild med og jeg GLÆDER mig til sidste bog i serien.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 5th installment of the Pages and Co. series, is good, but not my favorite. The first few were so good that it's hard to come close to that bookish magic. The Treehouse Library is the second book in the series that focuses on Milo, and now he's the most important kid because he controls the Quip, a magical train that runs on stories and imagination. His uncle, the real conductor of the train is unconscious and poisoned. Milo and his new friend, Alessia, must try to find the cure to wake him. They take the train and go looking for the Botanist, if anyone has a cure it must be here. Whimsical and fun. This series is perfect for book lovers!

[Roxy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one day, and I really liked it, regardless of how speedily I read it. This book is not particularly fast paced, I mean, it was at some parts, but I feel like this could be classified as cozy fantasy. This series always makes me want to sit beside a fire in a cozy armchair, and drink some hot cocoa. Sadly, I did none of those things while reading this book, because I read this in the summer. This author has such good writing too! She describes mundane things in such a satisfying way, that I wish I could do with my own writing. I teared up in one part of this book, however, it could be because I was reading this book in the later parts of the night, and so I might have been so sleep deprived that my emotions got away with me. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this sweet, cozy fantasy series.

[nina.reads.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think most of you know I love a great middle grade fiction every now and then. I’ve read all the Pages & Co books by Anna James and now I grab each one as it is released. The Treehouse Library came out recently and is the second last book in the series. Book 6 is due out next year I think.

As with all the previous books this was a lovely read that would be perfect for primary school aged kids. There are friendships, people who may not be as they seem, a bad guy, a quest to find ingredients to create a potion to save someone and lots of bookish talk. If I could make a very small complaint it would be that while still having a good storyline this felt very much like a was a transitional book. It read like it was there to set up the final book a teensy bit more than I would have liked. Still this is middle grade fiction and who doesn’t love a good cliff-hanger?

I’d definitely recommend this book and the whole series if you have young readers in your life or if you are like me and love to get nostalgic by dipping it to middle grade fiction.

[Frederike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read, but not as enchanting as the first few books with some unnecessarily complicated relationships but also luckily some great finds, such as the way the Quip has a central and comic role in this episode of Pages & Co

[Katharine Pelican · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amount of imagination packed within the pages of these stories is just unreal. I love Milo so much. This book was layered with even more intrigue, textured characters, and magic. This series just keeps getting better and better! 5 stars.