INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD SERIES

INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD SERIES by Lynne Banks

Did you know there are 5 books in the Indian in the Cupboard series? Indian in the Cupboard and The Return of the Indian were some of my son's favorite books in late elementary. I happened to read another book by Lynne Reid Banks called Tiger, Tiger (which is fantastic if you enjoy the Roman time period and coliseums), and I noticed in his list of other published books there were 2 more in The Indian in the Cupboard series. My son was thrilled to find out the adventures continued on!

Book 4 is The Mystery of the Cupboard. Of the 4 books this one was my son's least favorite, because it focuses on how the cupboard came to be. There is a family rift and a bit of magic involved, and you know that a child is born out of wedlock. My son wants adventure not drama. However, I enjoyed this one, because there are very clear consequences for actions. There is no light let off for bad decisions made. I also appreciated knowing how the cupboard came to be. (Think of Narnia's Magician's Nephew.)

Book 5 is The Mystery of the Cupboard. What makes this one special is Omri's Dad ends up discovering the magic of the cupboard. This leads Omri and his father to embark on a special adventure helping Little Bear and his village who are in great danger. If you have sensitive kids be aware that there is a part where women and children are trapped in a long house that is on fire. One woman is shot by 2 white men blocking the way of her escape. As we reach the end of the adventures, all I could picture was the ending scene of Dances With Wolves. It's hard to imagine Omri and Little Bear parting ways.

HEADS UP- Other than issues mentioned above there is a small amount of language in the series.