The Library of Unruly Treasures, Jeanne Birdsall
The Library of Unruly Treasures, Jeanne Birdsall
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The Library of Unruly Treasures

Author: Jeanne Birdsall

Narrator: Sorcha Groundsell

Unabridged: 7 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/05/2025


Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this funny, winning, and unexpected adventure from the New York Times bestselling, National Book Award–winning author of the Penderwicks series, a girl finds herself an unlikely hero when she stumbles upon a big secret about little creatures.

“A tender story whose tone evokes the warmth of a much-needed hug.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.

Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. And no, they're not birds. They're called Lahdukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?

The Lahdukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...

About The Author

Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she spent most of her time reading and daydreaming. She decided to be a writer when she was ten years old, though she didn’t circle back to that idea until she was all grown up and then some. Her first book was The Penderwicks, which won the National Book Award and was a New York Times Bestseller. Four other Penderwicks novels, all of which received glowing accolades and were New York Times bestsellers, followed to round out the series. She is also the author of several picture books and a chapter book. Jeanne's days involve plenty of time writing, gardening, and chasing around her two mischevious dogs.Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (The Storm in the Barn), the Carolyn Field Award (Around the World and Snow White), the Jefferson Cup (Bluffton), and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors, including Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall and The Higher Power of Lucky (winner of a Newbery Medal) by Susan Patron.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Emily on August 11, 2025

This isn’t something I expected to like. But protagonist Gwen is one of the most endearing characters I’ve ever met, and I was quickly hooked and wanted to see her story through. She’s a bit like a timid Anne Shirley and is sent to live with her Great-Uncle Matthew, a more confident Matthew Cuthbert......more

Goodreads review by DaNae on August 24, 2025

Gwen, or Gwen Alice, has been sent away from both her disinterested parents to spend the summer with a great-uncle in Boston she has never met. Once she arrives she is engulfed in the affection and acceptance she has never been given from either of her parents. She is also drawn into a family legacy......more

Goodreads review by Aimee on October 20, 2025

4.5 stars. I can’t even express how adorable this book was. Reading it took me back to my childhood, huddling undercover lost in a world of imagination. It’s been a gift to have that feeling again! Also loved the inclusion of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Makes you want to take a trip! Loved, loved, lov......more

Goodreads review by Sacha on September 23, 2025

I absolutely adored this book and highly recommend the audio version. The narration is magical, bringing the story of Gwen(allison), Pumpkin, and the Lahdukan to life . I'm hoping there will be a book two!......more

Goodreads review by Ri on October 09, 2025

Everyone should read more kids/YA books as adults......more


Quotes

A TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE

★ "A tender story whose tone evokes the warmth of a much-needed hug." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A well-paced, original story with intriguing characters and intertwined threads of reality and magic." —Booklist, starred review

★ "Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Birdsall brings together familiar fantasy tropes and always focuses on developing an enchanting world where a child can be both protector and protected....a treasure full of wonder, mystery, and found family." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Birdsall gives the coming-of-age theme a fresh spin in her inventive story, one that’s filled with endearing, quirky characters and delicious intrigue....Enchanting." —Kirkus Reviews

"Birdsall’s endearing fantasy features loving and lovable new friends both human and Lahdukan, with Phelan’s winsome black-and-white illustrations interspersed." —The Horn Book

"Birdsall has created a magical world that readers can nestle into as they follow Gwen’s adventures." —The Bulletin


Awards

  • Texas Bluebonnet Award