Mashu and the Mystery of the Missing Image

Mashu was not expecting to be entangled in a brilliant adventure. One day he stumbled across the little tuiles, who are like tiny children. He was charmed by their silly antics and carefree attitude. Next Mashu was introduced to Big Tuile. Big Tuile despaired that boys and girls no longer knew about him and the world of daydreams and imagination. He said that if the children forgot him that he would soon disappear. Big Tuile explained that he needed Mashu; Mashu would find five magic symbols to help him on his quest.

So, with the help of Softy, the tattered teddy, and the guidance of the perplexing little tuiles, Mashu begins a journey way beyond his wildest daydreams… or is it?

This young boy’s discovery of an exciting fantasy world co-existing alongside everyday reality is sure to inspire the imagination of your children. Mashu’s adventures take him on a journey of self-discovery; he learns that in his daydreams nothing is impossible.
One of the highlights of the story happens when Mashu is able to introduce his new neighbour, Cassi to the tuiles and then include her on his quest.

Children of 8 years plus will enjoy reading Mashu and the Mystery of the Missing Image on their own. The language is fairly simple and the flow is paced for young readers. Each chapter is short, and these readers will be able to complete one or more chapters in a sitting. It would also be an enjoyable read-aloud story for a younger audience. I’m sure that many children will imagine themselves as a little tuile and will probably have created a favourite one by the end of the story.

Reviewed by: Naomi