Title: The Gammage Cup
Author: Carol Kendall
Series: Minnipins, book 1
Major Themes: Fantasy, Swords, Character Study
Synopsis: When four Minnipins begin to go against tradition, and are thrown out of town, will they still be able to save their village from the invading Mushrooms?
A hilarious fantasy, The Gammage Cup is an entertaining and absorbing story. I was first introduced to the book in my school curriculum—and loved it almost immediately. It works well as a fun break from other heavier-going books, or enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Publisher’s description:
The Minnipins have lost their past.
Long ago, the hero Gammage led them in war against the horrible Hairless Ones. But now—
Bravery? Forgotten. Courage? No more. Heroes? The stuff of storybooks.
Yet sometimes heroes turn up when they are least expected.…
Muggles, Gummy the poet, and Walter the Earl are not like the other Minnipins. They dress differently, speak their minds, and—when Walter the Earl finds a package of old scrolls and swords—dare to disagree with the Minnipin leaders. For their troubles, they are banished from their village.
But Walter the Earl found the weapons for a reason: The Hairless Ones have returned. And this time there is no Gammage to protect the Minnipins. This time there are only Muggles and her friends, outlaws who must rescue the very people who have cast them out.
My thoughts:
While undoubtedly a fantasy, The Gammage Cup is a hilarious, beautifully told story about many different characters. The main theme revolves around the fact that who we are inside is much, much more important than what we look like outside. This story isn’t at all believable, and if you don’t like fantasy and glowing swords then you won’t like this. However, if you do like fantasy, a light read, or simply some entertainment, The Gammage Cup is a great choice.
WARNING: There is some fighting in the story, but the pain/violence is pretty mild. Not great for children under seven-ish, but okay for everyone older.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Library Binding | Audio CD
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Leave a Reply