Description

The stand-alone sequel to The Doldrums, which the New York Times called “a dreamy charmer of a book,” is a second tour-de-force by author-illustrator Nicholas Gannon.

It brims with the spirit of exploration and celebrates the bond of friendship. The exquisite hardcover package features Gannon’s distinctive full color full-page art throughout, as well as black-and-white spot illustrations. The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is a timeless tale and a beautiful gift for a young reader.

Archer Helmsley’s grandparents—famous explorers who went missing on an iceberg two years ago—are finally coming home. Archer is overjoyed, but he may be the only one. Rumors are flying that Archer’s grandparents were never really abandoned on the iceberg; that they’re making it all up. Archer knows that the rumors are false. With his best friends, Oliver and Adélaïde, and their new neighbor, Kana, Archer sets out during a snowstorm to rescue his grandparents’ reputation.

In the tradition of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Brian Selznick, Nicholas Gannon’s wildly imaginative world of The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is packed with sly humor, an undeniably charming cast of characters, and the thrill of discovering secrets and adventures right in your own backyard.

With approximately twenty pieces of full color full-page artwork, as well as spot illustrations, and deft, literary writing, Nicholas Gannon once again creates a fully realized world and a story to sink into and explore. “Irresistible.”—Booklist


To clear their names, Archer and his friends must navigate a city buried in snow, a secret society of explorers, and the truth behind the Helmsley Curse.


  • A Secret Society of Explorers: From talking taxidermy to a mysterious organization of explorers and naturalists, the world of Rosewood is filled with peculiar wonders and dangers.
  • A Snowy Winter Adventure: When a mysterious blizzard blankets the city, Archer, Oliver, and Adélaïde must brave the storm to uncover the truth behind the Helmsley Curse.
  • The Bond of Friendship: A charming and funny story about three loyal friends working together against the odds to protect the people they love.
  • Uncovering Family Secrets: Were Archer's grandparents really stranded on an iceberg, or is there a more sinister plot at play? The answer could change everything he knows about his family.
  • Gorgeously Illustrated Story: With nearly twenty full-color paintings and charming spot illustrations, this is a perfect gift for young readers who love immersive, art-filled books.

About the author(s)

Nicholas Gannon studied art and design and held a number of odd jobs before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. He has lived in Tennessee, Minnesota, and upstate New York. He now resides in Brooklyn, and he can sometimes be found eavesdropping on curious conversations at the Explorers Club. www.nicholasjgannon.com

Nicholas Gannon studied art and design and held a number of odd jobs before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. He has lived in Tennessee, Minnesota, and upstate New York. He now resides in Brooklyn, and he can sometimes be found eavesdropping on curious conversations at the Explorers Club. www.nicholasjgannon.com

Reviews

“The Doldrums are back with another fast-paced and quirky adventure. ..Fans of idiosyncratic fantasies, as well as the first book, will enjoy this treat.” - School Library Journal

“Gannon’s subtle humor and vibrant cartoon illustrations guide this irreverent story about Archer, Adélaïde, and Oliver, and their new friend, Kana. ...Expressive spot art and full-color spreads make this irresistible for fans of Brian Selznick’s multimedia stories.” - ALA Booklist

“Amusing descriptions, madcap excursions, and narrow escapes from danger.” - Kirkus Reviews

“In this wildly whimsical stand-alone sequel to The Doldrums, Nicholas Gannon once again thrills and chills his readers with the adventures of characters who could have stepped out of A Series of Unfortunate Events. ...Gannon’s stunning...illustrations turn an exciting book into a complete package.” - Shelf Awareness

More by Nicholas Gannon

More Friendship

More Social Themes

More Juvenile Fiction

More Multigenerational

More Family

More Humorous Stories

More Action & Adventure

More Religion & Faith

More Adolescence & Coming of Age

More Survival Stories

More Activism & Social Justice

More Dating & Relationships

More Mysteries & Detective Stories