The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Trenton Lee Stewart |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Diana Sudyka |
| Cover artist | Carson Ellis |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Mysterious Benedict Society |
| Genre | Children's |
| Publisher | Little, Brown |
|
Publication date
|
May 1, 2008 |
| Pages | 503 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-05780-6 |
| OCLC | 171287572 |
| LC Class | PZ7.S8513 Mye 2008 |
| Preceded by | The Mysterious Benedict Society |
| Followed by | The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma |
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey is an exciting adventure book. It was written by Trenton Lee Stewart and came out in 2008. This book is the second story in The Mysterious Benedict Society series. It's a popular children's novel filled with mystery and teamwork.
The Perilous Journey Begins
After their first big adventure, Mr. Benedict wants to reunite the children. He plans another mission for them. The kids, with their special skills, are ready for anything. But when they arrive at his house, something is wrong. Mr. Benedict has been kidnapped!
A Mysterious Kidnapping
Mr. Benedict's evil twin, Mr. Curtain, is behind it. He sent a letter explaining his demands. Mr. Curtain needs a very rare plant. He says someone close to Mr. Benedict knows where to find it. If he doesn't get the plant, Mr. Benedict and his assistant, Number Two, are in danger.
Following the Clues
Constance, a three-year-old genius, reveals a secret letter. Mr. Benedict gave it to her earlier. This letter contains a series of riddles. The riddles lead the children to a ship. It's called the MV Shortcut. This ship is the fastest in the world. It's headed for Lisbon, Portugal.
On Board the Shortcut
The children sneak onto the ship. The captain, Phil Noland, is a friend of Mr. Benedict. He was expecting them. Noland shares more about Mr. Benedict's recent messages. He gives them a two-way radio. But Reynie doesn't trust him and gets rid of the radio later.
Searching for the Plant
New clues lead them to a castle in Portugal. There, they find more hints. These clues point them to a science museum. The museum is in Thernbaakagen, a city in Holland. At the museum, they learn about the rare plant. It's called duskwort.
The Power of Duskwort
Duskwort can make an entire city fall into a deep sleep. It can also cure narcolepsy. This is a sleep disorder that Mr. Benedict and Mr. Curtain both have. The children learn that duskwort might be extinct.
Danger and Rescue
That evening, they rest at a hotel. But Mr. Curtain's agents, the Ten Men, find them. Luckily, Milligan arrives and rescues them. Milligan is Kate's father. He was recently found.
The Island of Duskwort
They travel to an island. A library clue said it had the last duskwort. On the island, they find Number Two. She tells them Mr. Benedict is a prisoner. Milligan tries to save Mr. Benedict. But the Ten Men attack the children. Milligan fights them off. He saves the children while they escape.
Captured and Escaped
Later, they find Mr. Curtain. He tricks the children. They are captured too. After Mr. Curtain leaves, Mr. Benedict tricks their guard, S.Q. They all manage to escape. The children, Mr. Benedict, Milligan, and Number Two are free.
The Final Chase
As they climb down the mountain, Mr. Benedict falls asleep. His narcolepsy is acting up. The children carry him. They soon find Milligan. He is badly hurt from fighting the Ten Men. After Mr. Benedict wakes up, they run to the bay. The Ten Men surround them.
A Narrow Escape
Just in time, the Shortcut arrives! Its crew comes to save them. Everyone rushes into the ship's security hold. They try to hide from the Ten Men. But the Ten Men find them. Just as the Ten Men plant a bomb, the Royal Navy appears. Kate quickly throws the bomb away. Mr. Curtain escapes. The children make it home safely to their families.
Meet the Characters
Here are the main characters you'll meet in the story.
Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon
Reynie is an eleven-year-old boy. He lives with his adopted mother, Miss Perumal. He also lives with her mother, Pati. Reynie is a natural leader for the Mysterious Benedict Society. He is very good at solving puzzles. He also comes up with most of the plans.
George "Sticky" Washington
Sticky is also eleven years old. He is known for his amazing memory. Everything he reads, hears, or sees "sticks" in his mind. He prefers his nickname to his real name. Sticky ran away from home once. He felt his parents didn't want him. Now he lives with them again. He is bald and has tea-colored skin. He often polishes his glasses when nervous.
Kate Wetherall
Kate is a lively twelve-year-old girl. She lives with her father, Milligan, on a farm. Her mother passed away when Kate was young. Kate is incredibly strong and fast. She is also very agile and tough. She is like the powerhouse of the group. Her unique talents are very helpful. She always stays cheerful, even in tough times.
Constance Contraire
Constance is the fourth child in the group. She is waiting to be adopted by Mr. Benedict. At first, she seems to have no special abilities. But her bravery and stubbornness are very important. Constance can spot patterns in things. This helps her predict the near future. She has light blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Constance is only three years old. This explains why she naps a lot and can be stubborn.
Mr. Benedict
Mr. Benedict is an older man. He brings together the children who form the Mysterious Benedict Society. He discovered the bad plans of his twin brother, Ledroptha Curtain. Mr. Benedict is the founder of the Society. He is also the smartest of them all. He has narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. In this book, he hopes to find a cure for it.
Mr. Curtain
Mr. Curtain is Mr. Benedict's evil twin brother. His real name is Ledroptha. He kidnapped Mr. Benedict and Number Two. He wants to take over the world. He wears silver glasses and green plaid suits. He often uses a motorized wheelchair. Like his brother, he has narcolepsy. But his condition is triggered by anger.
Rhonda Kazembe
Rhonda is Mr. Benedict's adopted daughter. She comes from Zambia. She is one of Mr. Benedict's assistants. She has a very good memory, like Sticky. She has dark skin and black hair.
Number Two
Number Two is Mr. Benedict's assistant. She is also his adopted daughter. She almost never sleeps. She takes quick food breaks to stay energized. She is kidnapped with Mr. Benedict in this book. Her real name, Pencilla, is revealed later in the series.
Milligan
Milligan was a spy. Mr. Curtain captured him. His memories were erased. But he escaped and became Mr. Benedict's bodyguard. In the first book, his memory returns. He is revealed to be Kate's father. In this book, his spy skills are clear. He can make a lockpick from nail clippings. He can bend metal bars. He is also great with his tranquilizer gun. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, like Kate.
The Ten Men
The Ten Men are Mr. Curtain's paid workers. They dress fancy and carry briefcases. These briefcases hold dangerous weapons. They are called the Ten Men because they have ten ways to hurt someone. Some of their names are McCracken, Crawlings, Sharpe, and Garotte.
What Happens Next?
A third book in the series came out on October 6, 2009. It is called The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.
