Her mind should have been completely concentrating on hats. But whenever it got a chance, it strayed once again to her father’s map and its riddle. As she suggested Fabula petals for decorating the brim of a Storytelling Tricorn, her mind drifted to where the spot marked X might be; had she overlooked a tavern called the Rose and Sea, and how on earth could facing the North Wind lead her south? So it snapped her out of her reverie when her next customer said in a low voice, ‘The North Wind is blowing.’
Having discovered a map hidden in her missing father’s telescope, Cordelia Hatmaker is on a quest to find her dad. However, a villain lurks in the shadows and when she stumbles upon a secret society of Mapmakers, Cordelia and her friends find themselves in a race to reunite the warring Maker families to save magic and finally learn the truth about her father’s fate…
It’s been a while since I last visited the world of the Makers (you’ll find my review of The Hatmakers here!) but whilst reading The Mapmakers, I felt like I’d never been away. With Paola’s stunning illustrations at pivotal points of the story, The Mapmakers is positively enchanting. Whilst a brilliant continuation of book 1, new fans can quickly get up to speed as Cordelia continues to find her missing father, who is presumed lost at sea. It’s a dazzling sequel which further expands the world of the Makers – Will Cordelia locate the Essence of Magic to stop a dreaded curse? I love the overarching theme of friendship, kindness and that it is better to do things together rather than be divided and filled with hate. The Hatmakers is a favourite with several pupils in my class so I can’t wait to take The Mapmakers into school!
Suggested reading age: 8+
The Mapmakers is written by Tamzin Merchant and illustrated by Paola Escobar. It is published by Puffin and is available now.
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