Title: A Chair in Time: A Playdate with History
Author: Lee Holland
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
ISBN: 979-8889453215
Pages: 144
Genre: Fantasy / Action & Adventure
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

Do you believe in time travel? Sisters Hannah and Sarah believe anything is possible – even time travel. They’ve known about this little secret since the adventures they took with their grandfather. All thanks to his favorite chair. It’s not the same now that it is not at Grumpy’s house, but they were determined to take it home despite their mother’s protests and enjoy new adventures which would no doubt make him proud.

The sisters soon devise a plan when the oldest decides that the old chair needs to be livened up. They get the chair ready to take them through time and soon embark on an epic adventure which takes them to various historical events. This story is full of charm and will no doubt bring joy to your heart as you follow the sisters along as they make dazzling discoveries about history.

This is such a wholesome and endearing story capturing the imagination and wonder which can only be seen through the eyes of a child. The story puts a fresh spin on the time travel genre through the use of a unique time machine: Grumpy’s old chair. There’s so much life in this old chair that it feels like a character in itself and has the power not only to travel in time but to invoke the memories and experiences they shared with Grumpy. The relationship between the sisters and their grandfather is an important catalyst in the sisters’ journey as he’s the one that sparked the inspiration through his stories. The relationship and the memories they have with him are an important component in what nurtured these girls’ imaginations. The story feels in honor of Grumpy and is his legacy that the sisters are carrying on through the adventures and even looking at his old stuff.

The writing has an endearing quality which perfectly captures a child’s logic such as bringing along an old cell phone just in case they want to call someone long ago. There is something wholesome and genuine about these sisters’ perspective with what an adult sees as junk they see as important components to their time machine. They see the potential and memory that come with these various items and how these create a connection to Grumpy even with him not present. The sisters’ dynamic is realistically portrayed with their frequent bickering as they play while still showing the love and friendship they have. Every scene takes tremendous care in crafting the mindset of a child in a way that any age can enjoy and even enjoy together. Adventurous moments are woven throughout as they delve back in time to historical events where they’re placed in the middle of these significant moments.

Being drawn into the story through the sisters, readers are able to have a great deal of fun and see the pure excitement at experiencing moments which have marked history. Throughout  the pages the sisters travel to moments which include the Titanic and the Sandbar Duel, and encounter significant people including Major Bradford and de Soto. While these are versions of these events real history is being incorporated and brought to life through their imaginations. This does not mean their adventures are without humorous glitches such as Hannah becoming a muskrat, but they manage to find the fun regardless. Their real life is featured throughout, showing that while they’re having these incredible moments, they’re still regular girls who have to clean their room and go to the dentist – adding some humor to the story.

A Chair in Time is a magical tale capturing through these young girls’ imagination, and draws readers into the wonder they’re bringing to life in adventures in which adults and children alike can enjoy.