The Lamplight Series by Kathryn Bulter

A “decide-as-you-go” adventure book where children get to make choices while reading and turn to corresponding page to see what follows their decision. In first book, The Hunt for the Kraken, the “reader” and their dad are magically transported to a pirate ship where the greedy pirate, Backviper, is on a quest to find the mysterious sea monster: the kraken.

Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Read Aloud Age: 8+

If you have nostalgic memories of reading “choose-your-own-adventure” book in the 80s and 90s, this is a wonderful (and more wholesome) version for your children. The story is exciting and engaging, but no doubt your child will go back and read to find out what would have happened if they had chosen a different option. Butler gives many different options and endings, some that are bleak and some with more resolution. She also gives some choices that are clearly right or wrong, while others are simply choices that have no moral weight. While these are overtly Christian, they aren’t heavy handed, simply showing how people might respond as believers (in fantastical situations). Butler’s writing style is a blend of modern, plot driven stories and an appreciation of the English language and its complexities:

“At his success, other crewmates make torches of their own, and with each reflection of firelight in the crab’s eyes it shrinks further and further away. Finally, it teeters on the edge of the ship, its spindly legs scrabbling for purchase.”

If you are looking for a lighthearted, adventure packed read for your middle-grade child, The Lamplight Series is a fantastic choice that will thrill them over and over.

Language: 
daft, idiot, stupid

Questionable Behaviors:
This is a funny one to answer, because it depends on how your child chooses! Some choices they have are clearly a good vs bad choice.
Being on a pirate ship, the pirates are a bit violent and gruff.

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