Parents' Guide to

The City Beyond the Sea: Greenwild, Book 2

Book Pari Thomson Fantasy 2024
Daisy and her cat Napoleon crouch amongst colorful plants with a giant wave and a water horse behind her

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie R. Wheadon By Carrie R. Wheadon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Exciting, well-rounded eco-fantasy with some animal peril.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

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What's the Story?

In THE CITY BEYOND THE SEA, GREENWILD, BOOK 2, Daisy gets a surprise letter from her mother who's been kidnapped in the Amazon. She tells her that the Grim Reapers are too powerful and they must get help to save her and the other botanists. They must seek out the people of Iffenwild or it's too dangerous to come at all. Daisy tries to get her grandmother Artemis to listen, but she still insists on sending an expedition to the Amazon -- and Iffenwild is a made-up place anyway, according to most Greenwilders. Artemis has invited botanists from around the globe to the Amazon, and uninvited Daisy and her friends Prof and Indigo because it's just too dangerous. Of course, that doesn't stop them from sneaking onboard as they set sail on the full moon. At their first stop, the Moonmarket, they get separated from their ship in an ambush by the Grim Reapers and are rescued, along with a mysterious boy named Max, by a traveling theater company. Lucky for Daisy and friends, the small fleet's next stop is the mythical Iffenwild.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This eco-adventure series stays thrilling with a new world and magic to explore, fantastic kid characters, and mysteries galore. It's a well-balanced story that will satisfy every kind of fantasy fan, even the highly visual ones. The black-and-white illustrations by Elisa Paganelli capture the characters, the wonders of this magical world, and the action splendidly. Stakes are high for characters Daisy, Prof, and Indigo. Not only do they need to get help from Iffenwild to save Daisy's mom and all the botanists captured in the Amazon, they must fight other forces that are just as dire. Greed is winning out over regard for the land and sea and leaders don't seem to care. All the nonmagical kid readers out there fighting for our planet already recognize these enemies. That's why they will cheer even louder when Daisy and friends prevail. Kids will cheer for their new friend Max as well who finds a way forward after losing his mom. His poignant moments with the ship's captain and with his own memories add a lovely depth to The City Beyond the Sea. Max's story moves this sequel beyond a simple adventure into an unforgettable one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Iffenwild in A City Beyond the Sea. Why does it want to remain hidden? How is the community harmed by its decision?

  • Daisy, Prof, Indigo, and Max show some stellar teamwork. What talents does each bring? Which character would you like to be on the team? Why?

  • Max deals with the loss of his mother in this story and works through many painful feelings. How does the plant with memories help him? What does it mean to Max when the plant blooms?

Book Details

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