I think this would be a fine way to introduce a second or third grade reader to Ancient Rome. I do wish that more of the book was about the history than the present day relationships.

A wonderful story that turns an everyday life into a fun adventure. A mysterious old woman, a strange box, and an inquisitive girl. A great heroine that girls can look up to, and a story that makes everyday life seem a little magical.

This was a fun book to read, it had a really good storyline and it was well written and definitely keeps you engaged - 4 stars from me and looking forward to more from this author!

When Mrs Oberto arrives at the nursing home where Hannah and her nurse and odd job man parents live it is the beginning of a whole new adventure for them both. Hannah, a friendly and curious schoolgirl, is inquisitive about the new lady and although things don't get off to the best of starts they soon work things out and a school project creates a close friendship. But the mystery of the chest that stays on Mrs Oberto's bedside is a constant draw to Hannah and when she is given the opportunity to see what's inside, then a whole new world is opened up to her.
A good read for middle school age boys and girls, especially if an elderly relative is spending time in a hospital or a nursing home, this first part of a series of stories shows them how special and rewarding a close relationship with an older person can be.

The characters of this story are great and the storyline, an excellent one, Anna is a caring, friendly and loving little girl, she is also very curious about what goes on around her, and living in a nursing home owned by her parents and run by them, provides her with a ready depot of stories from long ago, told to her by her friends the residents of the Nursing home. After meeting Mrs. Oberton their new midnight arrival, they quickly became friends and a ready treasure trove of historical Roman facts and myths, as it happens, they were doing a Roman project in history class seeing as she is from Italy. A most delightful, educative and enriching story, a book you would love buying for any child.

*thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 stars.
This is such a LOVELY book! Its beautifully written and such a sweet story about a girl named Hannah, an old lady named Mrs Oberto and a little secret magical friend named Tranaquil. The relationship Hannah has with the ladies at the retirement home was really nice to read about. The story flowed really well and I can easily see this being popular.

Part way through this I kept thinking this would make a really good series, so it was utter delight to find out that this will indead be the beginning of one! I can not wait to read the rest.

I definitely recommend this to all kids and expecually those who are interested in anything to do with Roman times.

Well done to Catherine Rosevear for such a great book, I will keep my eyes out for the next one!

The Secret of the Wooden Chest is a sweet, light middle grade read. Hannah is our heroine, and lives with her family above a nursing home. Her mother is Matron of the home, and her father keeps the home in good repair.

Hannah is friends with some of the residents of the home, although we only meet two in this book: Ms. Beadle and Ms. Oberto. Ms. Beadle is an adorable, ancient ballerina, and I found her to be the most interesting character in the book. Character development in the story was mild, and perhaps appropriate for a light middle grade read, but I wanted to know more about everyone. Hannah's best friend has a name and not much else. The attendants at the home (two are mentioned) have no real depth. Hannah's mother works hard and is tired, but fair. Her father cares for her, but remains a bit distant. And Ms. Oberto remains mysterious, even as she becomes much closer friends with Hannah.

It looks to be the first of a series, although this seemed to be a standalone story.