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A whole new set of characters and an unravelling of the 'mystery' of the cupboard. This felt like a story written to prolong the saga of the magic cupboard. As an adult, it is hard to understand how the extension of Omri's family history will engage the children that loved Book 1. The novel has some stereotyping that seems out-of-sync with today's respect for other peoples. However, in the context of its day, the story was moderately amusing. Just not remarkable. ( )

Explanations for magic are often unnecessary and unwelcome in children's books (scratch that - in fantasy in general), but Lynne Reid Banks provides an excellent origin story for the cupboard and key and their mysterious properties.

I enjoy a good explanation when it can be found, and while some of the elements here might have been a bit forced, overall this was a great way to cap off the series, wipe the slate clean almost for future installments. There's only been one other one since, but there's still time for another to come out.

Here we have Omri's family moving, again, this time to a house inherited from a forgotten cousin in Dorset. Omri soon makes a discovery in the thatch of the roof and a surprisingly dark story comes to light. I remember those sad details making the story that much more riveting for me when I first read this at 8 or 9, but some of the concepts might be confusing or distressing to some children.

It has a very satisfying ending though and the figures Omri meets in this one always intrigued me. I wanted to know more about them and is proof enough that I wouldn't have been able to resist working the magic on more and more people. Just think of the people you could meet, the questions answered!

Omri and Little Bear

Previous: 'The Secret of the Indian'

Next: 'The Key to the Indian' ( )

I have not yet read this book. ( )

"The Indian in the Cupboard" was a great children's story. I did not expect that the "makings" of the cupboard is not that great. This book lacks a strong story plot. It feels like it was not well thought of and is lacking in substance. Even my sister can write a better story than this one. I expected a lot from Lynne Reid Banks because the first two books were exceptional. This one has no climax and is boring. A child would choose playing with real Indian dolls than read this one. If you want to maintain your image of the cupboard - something good and fun - in your head then do not read this one. I was truly disappointed. ( )