Written by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Julia Sarda, Translated by Kazue Yokoyama, "The Hotel Balzaar"

A children's book with a mysterious, immersive quality that feels like wandering between reality and a dream.

⭐️ Hardcover Edition

※ Note
The following text does not reveal the ending, but it does contain some spoilers.

Ceilings with elegant curves.

A painting of a one-winged angel floating.

An antique pendulum clock.

This is the story of a girl named Marta who comes to the luxurious "Hotel Balzaar," where everything is opulent.

Marta walks around the hotel, but frankly, she is an anomaly.

She isn't even an "uninvited guest."

Marta lives in the hotel's attic with her mother, who works there.

It is fine for her to leave the attic, but since she is not a guest, she must not use the elevator.

She must be quiet.

She must not touch anything.

She must not sit anywhere.

She must not speak to anyone unless necessary.

...It is as if she is here, yet not here at all.

That said, children have an amazing ability to adapt.

As Martha explores the hotel, she becomes friends with Norman, an elderly bellman.

She also gets to know Alphonse at the front desk, but he seems cold, perhaps because he is so dedicated to his work.

Before long, Martha meets a countess with an unusual, imposing presence, who carries a large green parrot on her shoulder.

The countess tells Martha many stories.

All of them are quite eccentric.

As you read this book, you gradually feel as if you have become Martha's friend, listening to the countess's stories right by her side.

And then... you learn why Martha and her mother came to live at the hotel.

It is very heartbreaking, but you also get the feeling that this sadness might be one of the things that has shaped Martha's quietness and kindness.

Now, I especially love the scene where Martha gives a gift to Norman.

What Martha hands him is an empty perfume bottle.

At Martha's words, Norman nods, puts the empty perfume bottle into the breast pocket of his uniform, and says,

With that, he bows.

Isn't that wonderful...

Even if a friendship between people of different ages might gradually fade from memory someday... it will not disappear completely; like a lingering scent in an empty perfume bottle, it will gently soothe your heart.

Forever and ever...

<Recommended for>
Those looking for a slightly bittersweet and gentle children's book.

<Estimated reading time>
About 1 to 1.5 hours.