ANNOTATION

After the family moves to the country to a house recently inherited by his mother, Omri finds many secrets revealed to him when he accidently discovers the link between the house and the magic cupboard. Sequel to "The Secret of the Indian."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the fourth book in Bank's acclaimed Indian In The Cupboard saga, Omri and his family move to an old farmhouse, where he finds an ancient notebook that reveals a family secret-and the mysterious origins of his magical cupboard.

FROM THE CRITICS

New York Times

A stunning, full-blown tale within a tale.

Publishers Weekly

In this latest installment in the award-winning Indian in the Cupboard series, Omri's fascination with the little people of the cupboard has matured into an obsession with discovering the origin of their life-giving magic. With the help of his great-aunt's hidden diary and a meeting with an elderly roof-thatcher, Omri is able to piece together his own family's history--one that gave rise to the wondrous events of the last few years. In the process he takes a big risk in allowing the secret to be disclosed to an adult. Relying much less on the sheer derring-do typical of earlier episodes, Banks takes an introspective turn here, weaving a more adult story of disappointment and heartbreak into Omri's ever-widening understanding of the cupboard's mystery. Banks's series has grown up, and though some readers may miss the magical Peter Pan-like world of earlier installments, these rich, well-rounded characters speak eloquently and entertainingly within a polished mystery structure. While observing the parameters of a series, Banks demonstrates an impressive versatility, never swerving from her trademark disarming candor and unaffected yet elegant style. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 10-up. (Apr.)

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

Omri learned early on that you can't tinker with the past without changing all that happens in the present. Yet, when he discovers a wrong that was done to his great-great aunt, he tries to rectify things. Banks has written a compelling and dramatic story in this the 4th in the "Indian in the Cupboard" series. A new cast of characters, some of whom are Omri's relatives, add interest and liveliness to the World War I time period. They are affected by the mores and attitudes of their day and the reader learns why the cupboard has magical powers. 1995 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6--Indian in the Cupboard (Doubleday, 1985) fans, rejoice! Here's another in the series, and it will appeal most to those familiar with the characters and events in the earlier books. When a distant relative dies, leaving Omri's mother an old farmhouse, the whole family moves to the country. As old thatch is removed in preparation for reroofing, Omri finds a notebook written by ``wicked'' great-great-Aunt Jessica as she lay dying, which reveals the secret of the cupboard, and how and why it, and its magic, came into being. New little people are introduced, and once again, Omri learns the folly--and danger--of playing with people's lives. Little Bear and Bright Stars, main characters from the previous books, make their appearance only on the last page, when the boy's father is let in on the secret. ``From now on, thought Omri, whatever happens--and plenty will--Dad's in on it. Which is bound to make things . . . very, very complicated.'' One has to wonder if he will allow the adventures to continue. --Li Stark, North Castle Public Library, Armonk, NY