'The Maker-Man of Merryville' by Pete Mesling

 

The Maker-Man of Merryville is written by Pete Mesling. This is a very absorbing book which I enjoyed reading. It has a very good intriguing plot which leaves you very curious as to how the events are going to unfold. It is like a jigsaw puzzle which at the end,  fits together.  Through the twists and turns of the story, the characters experience a lot of adventures, with some of them being very heart-stopping!

The setting of the book starts in Merryville, then it moves on to Skaate Dowe and lastly on to Dablos, which is the land of the moon. The main protagonists are Gilbert and his classmate Sarah. They are twelve years old and are not happy with the current sad situation in their town, where the people over there do not not smile or laugh. The arrival of the Maker-Man in their town, proves to be something of a highlight for these children who are being brought up in this dreary town.

 When the Maker-Man sells Gilbert some Away Putty and Sarah a monkey soft toy, the children are set on a marvellous exciting course. At the beginning of the story, they are class-mates. At the end, they are best friends, with a hint that the friendship might develop in the future into something more intense. Other protagonists include also Lester Morsoe, the children’s teacher, who had also fleetingly entered Skaate Dowe, as a child.  There are others, with the main one being the Maker-Man of Merryville, Belch the water-monkey who comes alive, and also Snarl the demi-ghoul. These characters have to battle against  Queen Mixie, Skinner and the pirate, Skrimshaw, who are on the bad side.

This books is a very good read for readers of all ages. Besides having a fascinating plot, the book teaches readers about good values, like being kind and that by working in teams, one has more chances of succeeding.  It teaches us that in life you have to be courageous and to take risks also. The future is in our hands to mould it as we like.