Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com
Alfonso Perplexon is not just any kid. He does things in his sleep that most people can't do.
For example, he wakes up in the top branches of a tree. Unfortunately, he has a harder time getting down when he is awake than he had climbing it when he was asleep. One morning, when he climbs down from his tree, he meets a stranger named Kiril, who understands his sleepwalking abilities and warns him of an adventure that he may soon undertake.
Not long after this strange visitation, Alfonso's uncle, Hill Persplexy, shows up at the greenhouse owned by Pappy Eubanks, Alfonso's grandfather. Uncle Hill tells Alfonso a tale of a lost city that needs a very special, one-of-a-kind plant that Alfonso has grown. If Alfonso does not deliver the bloom to the mysterious city of Dormia, the city and its inhabitants will wither away.
This bit of news begins Alfonso's journey to find the mythological city. Along the way, he meets a number of strange and amusing characters, including one old woman who sleeps in a casket for long periods of time and a pair of old ladies who act only on the advice of their cat. He and Uncle Hill also run into a number of dangerous situations that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Alfonso must learn to trust his own judgment about who is on his side and who is really out to harm him and destroy his bloom.
Readers will enjoy traveling alongside Alfonso in this quest to not only save a city but to find his heritage in this unique story. Halpern and Kujawinski have created a quirky set of characters and a fascinating place that readers will want to return to time and again.
Alfonso Perplexon is not just any kid. He does things in his sleep that most people can't do.
For example, he wakes up in the top branches of a tree. Unfortunately, he has a harder time getting down when he is awake than he had climbing it when he was asleep. One morning, when he climbs down from his tree, he meets a stranger named Kiril, who understands his sleepwalking abilities and warns him of an adventure that he may soon undertake.
Not long after this strange visitation, Alfonso's uncle, Hill Persplexy, shows up at the greenhouse owned by Pappy Eubanks, Alfonso's grandfather. Uncle Hill tells Alfonso a tale of a lost city that needs a very special, one-of-a-kind plant that Alfonso has grown. If Alfonso does not deliver the bloom to the mysterious city of Dormia, the city and its inhabitants will wither away.
This bit of news begins Alfonso's journey to find the mythological city. Along the way, he meets a number of strange and amusing characters, including one old woman who sleeps in a casket for long periods of time and a pair of old ladies who act only on the advice of their cat. He and Uncle Hill also run into a number of dangerous situations that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Alfonso must learn to trust his own judgment about who is on his side and who is really out to harm him and destroy his bloom.
Readers will enjoy traveling alongside Alfonso in this quest to not only save a city but to find his heritage in this unique story. Halpern and Kujawinski have created a quirky set of characters and a fascinating place that readers will want to return to time and again.
