Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism

Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism follows an 11-year-old orphan living at Hardwick House Orphanage in England. When Molly discovers a mysterious book about hypnotism at the local library, she begins learning its techniques in secret. The story tracks Molly's growing mastery of hypnosis as she uses her newfound abilities to transform her difficult life at the orphanage. Her world expands beyond Hardwick House when her best friend Rocky is adopted by an American family, leading Molly to embark on an adventure to find him. Through hypnotism and determination, Molly navigates increasingly complex situations while discovering her own strength and capabilities. Her journey takes her from a small English town to new territories as she pursues her goals. This first book in the Molly Moon series explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the responsible use of power. The story presents questions about choice and control while remaining firmly grounded in the perspective of its young protagonist.

Readers describe this book as a fun adventure story aimed at ages 8-12. Many compare it to Matilda by Roald Dahl, though note it's not as sophisticated. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced plot that kept kids engaged - Relatable main character who overcomes difficulties - Creative premise that sparks imagination - Good messages about friendship and self-confidence Common criticisms: - Plot holes and unrealistic scenarios - Writing style can be repetitive - Some found the hypnotism element concerning - Character development feels rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (38,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (500+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "A page-turner that had my daughter begging for bedtime reading" - Amazon reviewer "The plot relies too heavily on convenience" - Goodreads reviewer "Fun but forgettable" - School Library Journal The book appears to resonate most with young readers who enjoy magical realism and underdog stories.

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The Power of Dark by Robin Jarvis A girl discovers she has hypnotic abilities in a seaside town where ancient magic and modern worlds collide.

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🌟 The Molly Moon series spawned six books in total, with the final installment published in 2012. 🎭 Author Georgia Byng was once an actress and performed with an improvisational comedy troupe before becoming a children's author. 📚 The concept of hypnotism in the book was partly inspired by real-life stage hypnotists and therapeutic hypnosis practices. 🎬 The book was adapted into a film in 2015 titled "Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism," starring Raffey Cassidy and Emily Watson. 🏰 The story's setting was influenced by the author's own experiences visiting Victorian buildings in England, which helped shape the description of Hardwick House Orphanage.