Fiction Addict

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Harper Festival/HarperCollins

Publication Date: January 2010

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

What happens when ten rubber ducks fall overboard? A delightful adventure ensues. In Eric Carle’s 10 Little Rubber Ducks, children accompany the ducks as they drift and mingle with wildlife. In the end, one rubber duck encounters a very special situation of his own.

This book features Carle’s trademark paint and paper cutout illustrations in bold colors. The rhythmic language overflows with repetition and a touch of onomatopoeia. Counting concepts and direction words provide educational opportunities.

As a board book, this tale may be a bit wordy for the very young, but they can still enjoy the various animals and guess the names of each creature. Preschoolers will enjoy the language and vivid illustrations of marine life.

A simple, but appealing tale that is as likable as rubber duckies themselves.

Review copy provided by HarperCollins.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Publication Date: December 2009

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The emotional spectrum is represented in the picture book, My Heart is Like a Zoo. Debut author Michael Hall compares human emotions to feisty zoo animals in unusual situations: hippos drinking apple juice and walruses lounging on towels, for example. Expressive, contrasting colors on each page capture attention while the paper cutouts of the creatures, crafted largely from heart shapes, add a unique point of interest to the illustrations.

My Heart is Like a Zoo gives parents and children opportunities to discuss a plethora of ideas while enjoying rhyming language. Feelings, colors, counting, shapes and animal names are represented here. An endearing twist at the end demonstrates the true setting of the story.

This vibrant, welcoming book practically screams to children, “Read me! I’m made for you.” A noble first effort by Hall.

Review copy provided by HarperCollins.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children

Publication Date: September 2009

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

From squirrels to cocoons, a tree bustles with life; even the leaves are busy producing oxygen. The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward encourages readers to take a closer peek at nature and the simple wonders right at hand. Readers gaze at chipmunks, spiders, woodpeckers, owls and other creatures in their rituals around an oak tree.

Elegant rhymes add to this book’s charm. A unique narrative perspective—the tree’s—guides the reader on a tour through the book and around the tree.

Beautiful, detailed oil paintings illuminate the joys of wildlife abounding near and within trees. Tiny details, like a ladybug on a leaf or grubs by roots, add to the realism of the illustrations.

This story truly invites the reader to “come and see” this busy tree. It reveals just enough of nature to whet our appetites—the kind of book that makes us fall in love with the wild and rush out to the nearest park or backyard in hopes of glimpsing a scurry or flutter.

Review copy provided by Marshall Cavendish Children.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: February 2010

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The big race approaches and Hamster wants a hot rod. But he needs help to build it! In this rhythmic tale, readers help Hamster create his car and speed through the race.

Hot Rod Hamster by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Derek Anderson is an exciting read that engages even boys without excluding the girls. Readers progress from the junkyard to the race to the finish line, cheering for the tiny racer the whole time. They have a stake in the outcome, after all, since the refrain, “Which would you choose?” invites audience participation in Hamster’s decisions.

Expressive acrylic paintings use bright colors and add a playful sense of fun to the book. Masterful rhymes and cartoon bubbles of dialogue pace the story and develop character—something the little orange hamster has in spades. A subtle lesson also weaves through the book: determination matters more than size.

Readers will find this book as exuberant and confident as the hamster protagonist. A perfect read for young car and race fans.

Review copy provided by Scholastic Press.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication Date: January 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I couldn’t wait to dive into P.W. Catanese’s second entry in The Books of Umber series, because I knew I would be spending more time with amazing characters, intriguing plots, and an overriding series arch that has to be one of my favorite twists in fiction in a long time. And Dragon Games does deliver much of this, but at times seems to steer a little bit to the side of its course, while maintaining the same level of action and mystery that made book one, Happenstance Found, so amazing.

Lord Umber of Kurahaven is invited to the land of Sarnica to witness the Dragon Games and the dragons captured and ready to star in the events. But along the way, Umber receives a message from Caspar, one of the only people who may know the truth about who and what Happenstance, Umber’s young ward, truly is. Along the way, they discover curses, islands filled with horrors unimaginable, and then the ugly truth about Sarnica. And Happenstance must come face to face with the person responsible for his very existence: the mysterious WN.

Dragon Games really is a rollicking good adventure – with some insanely creepy moments, such as a haunting run through the forests near Kurahaven at the beginning of the book. And there’s a point where Happenstance finds himself alone in perhaps one of the most disturbing places ever imagined in a book. I kept thinking the whole time that so many of the scenes would make such an amazing visual in a movie, and it really hit me: there is a cinematic quality to so much of Catanese’s writing – without overburdening the reader with unneeded descriptions. The suspense and action carries on to the very end, and the last page made me gasp out loud.

The only moment where things fell a little out of place were the scenes in Sarnica – and the side plot of a brutish kingdom abusing its citizens and creatures. It just didn’t seem to fit in with the overall plot for some reason. Most of it was still very interesting and good, but I kept wanting to go back to the overarching series plot line and find out more about it.

I must say though, Catanese has won a very enthusiastic fan. I really enjoy his writing, and it’s so nice to read a story that uses traditional fantasy elements, but combines them in new ways with such haunting imagery and fun adventure that it creates something completely new. Fans of any sort of fantasy would only be missing out not to read The Books of Umber. I know I will definitely be waiting in anticipation for the next book.

Review copy provided by Aladdin.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Disney Press

Publication Date: April 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Ever since devouring a copy of Arabian Nights, I have been looking for fantasy stories set in the Middle East, and unfortunately, they’re a bit hard to find. And then I heard that Disney Studios was embarking on a new venture: a movie set in Persia and based off the video game series, Prince of Persia. A few books have now been written with the release of the film, and one of those is Catherine Hapka’s The Chronicle of Young Dastan.

Taking place before the events of the movie, the book starts out with Dastan, a street urchin who lives from day to day, just trying to find another scrap of food to survive. When an old beggar tells Dastan and his friends about the mysterious Torch of Atar, Dastan doesn’t believe it. But soon, Dastan becomes embroiled in the quest to find the mystical Torch, which has all the power of light and darkness. And with the Huns and an evil sorcerer Vindarna also after the Torch, Dastan will face the greatest challenges of his young life, and possibly the last.

The book doesn’t reveal much about the movie, except for some of Dastan’s character traits and the city of Nasaf itself, and the story ends up being completely unrelated to any events in the film. It’s a fairly quick read, and kids will definitely enjoy the storyline with its numerous chases, escapes, and tinges of fantasy. While I did enjoy the book as kind of a passing read, it didn’t ever really grab me except for a few scenes near the end when Dastan and his friends visit some ruins in the middle of the desert. The writing seemed to step up a notch at the end, versus the beginnings of the book, which is mostly filled with Dastan being chased by guards, Huns, other street kids, and even his friends. There are a few clues dropped as to the location of a crucial piece of the Torch, and they are pretty easily solved. One other thing really bothered me, but had to be done in order to move the plot along. At one moment, Dastan overhears some of the Huns talking to each other, and they decide to practice their Persian instead of speaking in their own language. Because of this, Dastan hears some very important information he would have never known otherwise. It comes off as a cheap ploy, and I wish Hapka had found another way around the issue so that Dastan still learns what he needs to know, but as a reader, I don’t have to inwardly groan over such an obvious information dump.

All said, the book is a fun one if you don’t have much else to read, and kids who see the film will probably enjoy reading more about Dastan and his life before The Sands of Time.

Review copy provided by Disney Press.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date: January 2010

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Filomena, a wedding dress seamstress, spends each day crafting exquisite creations for brides’ dream weddings. As she sews each dress, she stores away ideas and plans her own gown. When Rusty, the mechanic next door, pops the big question, Filomena pours all her ideas into her dress. But on the wedding day, Filomena’s dress is so frilled, fluffed and floofed, that poor Rusty doesn’t recognize her and flees the ceremony.

Originally published in Italian, Here Comes the Bride by Beatrice Masini seems to have lost something in translation. Upon hearing this book had won a few awards, this reviewer expected an enjoyable read. But something rang false. The book felt disjointed, Filomena’s relationship with Rusty, manufactured and the bride’s young sister, unnecessary. A sort of disconnect with the characters existed within the pages.

The illustrator incorporates distorted, almost caricature-esque illustrations and elements of “found” art (like samples of lace and of newspapers) into the illustrations; this made for an interesting, if not appealing, viewing experience. The huge-eyed, red-nosed toothy characters felt out of place in a book about brides and wedding dresses and created a creepy vibe, although the attempt to contrast the subject matter was noted.

The premise of a bride becoming carried away by the wedding and thus becoming unrecognizable to her groom is a funny one, recognizable to many who have encountered “bridezillas.” But Here Comes the Bride felt sorely lacking in endearing qualities. It might prove suitable as a curiosity piece, but I doubt the book would appeal to princess/bride/fantasy-minded little girls.

Review copy provided Tundra Books.

Genre: Children’s/Fantasy

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: February 2010

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Flory is a night fairy. But when flying one evening, she loses her wings in an accident with a bat. How does a fairy cope without wings? In Flory’s case, she becomes a day fairy and settles down in the garden of a giantess (human). There, she must battle hungry squirrels, spiders and other predators, all without the aid of her wings. In a huge, dangerous world, can she learn to survive?

In The Night Fairy, Laura Amy Schlitz presents the antithesis to most fairy stories—a feisty, fuzzy-headed fairy with a self-centered streak. Flory experiences remarkable character growth in this book, as she moves from a domineering outlook to one of selflessness. Her exploits fuel this growth.

At the beginning, the book’s voice feels a bit stilted, almost like an adult talking down to a child, as Schlitz sets her scene and fills in back story. But when the actual action begins, this tone seems to vanish as readers absorb the world she has, not so much created, but revealed.

This simply told story features a basic plot line that would serve intermediate readers well. Airy, ethereal illustrations and delicate descriptions emphasize the natural world in which Flory lives, a place both familiar and fantastic. So beautiful are these natural scenes that the reader longs to join Flory in her world to feast on the sights and sounds

Book after book, Candlewick Press continually offers captivatingly surreal language and illustrations: Cloud Tea Monkeys, The Magician’s Elephant and The Tale of Despereaux. The Night Fairy is no exception. An enchanting tale that little girls will cherish, especially at bedtime.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Genre: Children’s / Young Adult

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Publication Date: May 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I must admit: I love Australian authors. Their books are usually charming, exciting, and have such a unique voice that it’s hard to stay away. And when I found new author Richard Newsome’s debut book, The Billionaire’s Curse, I was extremely excited to find a new series to follow along with. The first book in The Archer Legacy delivers on many levels, and will definitely find many fans following the end of The 39 Clues.

When Gerald Wilkins finds out that he has to skip snowboarding with his best friend Ox for school break and instead go to England for his great-aunt’s funeral, he’s devastated. What could be worse than going to a funeral for some old stiff that he’s never even met in his life? But then he gets the letter from beyond the grave and in his aunt’s handwriting: “…I expect you’ve figured out that I was murdered. I want you to find out who did it.” Gerald has no idea what to do. But soon he becomes caught up in murder, a missing diamond, and a mystery as old as the English countryside. Can Gerald and his new friends Ruby and Sam figure out who killed his great-aunt before the murderer comes after them next?

Newsome has created some fun and unique characters that follow along in the vein of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and the villain is right in line with an Anthony Horowitz creation. It’s exciting to follow Gerald and share in his bafflement at the lifestyles of his rich family members, the secrets surrounding the Archer family, and his encounters with the shadowy figures out to find him.

The mystery and puzzles are done very well, and a few scenes are downright creepy in all the right ways. The set-up for the story does take a while, but there’s enough humor and fun to make up for the lack of plot progression. Some moments almost felt a little bit too silly for their own good, but then others became deathly serious. There’s also a smattering of offensive language that seemed a bit out of place when it appeared. By the end, there’s some very intriguing plot points developing, and everything wraps up with the promise of more to come.

Overall The Billionaire’s Curse is a fun, adventurous romp that, while a bit stiff at moments, will definitely be enjoyable for the tween market.

Review copy provided by the Amazon Vine Program.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: March 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Dan and Amy Cahill are up to their faces in mysteries. And now they’re on a flight to China as book number eight, The Emperor’s Code, in the New York Times bestselling series The 39 Clues, begins. The only lead they have to go on is a vague symbol painted in the background of an old movie, The Last Emperor, and that might even be just a false lead. And with the many branches of the Cahill family out to steal their clues and murder them both, every step forward could be their last. But when Dan and Amy are separated from each other – they both have to face the reality: either find each other, or find the next clue and risk losing the only family they have left.

Gordon Korman is not new to The 39 Clues. He also authored book number two, One False Note, which had felt somewhat off track after Rick Riordan’s first entry, The Maze of Bones. I was a bit worried if Korman could pull off another book in the series, but he definitely did, and this one ranks as one of the best so far. The writing is crisp and moves along; just like any other book in the series, but what really shines here are the deeper characterizations that sometimes felt lacking in previous books. Dan and Amy are really explored as they separate from each other on the hunt, and it was a very unique opportunity for Korman to be able to reach inside their heads and give us more of their fears and thoughts about the things that have happened to them both. But he doesn’t skimp out on the humor, action, or puzzles. And in some ways, the danger was all the more real as they travel into some of their most dangerous situations yet.

While the casual reader will enjoy this next book in the series, those who want to dive a little deeper will find some very intriguing puzzles fitted into the book itself. One code hidden throughout the volume will likely be one of the most shocking clues yet to the overarching storyline of the series, while a couple of other small clues hidden on the front cover will provide some hints that have yet to be understood. Also, the ending note that is usually just a general letter to some branch of the Cahill family mentioning they “Stop Dan and Amy” is something very different this time – and it makes me wonder if there is a huge twist that, in typical Riordan style, is almost impossible to see coming.

All said, The 39 Clues series is one of those once-in-a-publishing-lifetime events that comes along and really creates something out of itself, with ingenious references to historical figures, unique puzzles and clues, and all building up to something that promises to be truly astounding. With only two more books to go, things are definitely on a swift-moving track and all we can know for certain is the end is very, very near.

Review copy provided by Scholastic.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Puffin Books

Publication Date: 2008

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Mibs Beaumont anxiously anticipates her thirteenth birthday—the day when the Beaumont children each discover their “savvy”, a special power of supernatural origin. She wonders what her savvy will be and if it will be as powerful a gift as that of her older brothers.  But then her father sustains terrible injuries in a car accident and slips into a coma. As the Beaumont children cope with this terrible news, Mibs’ birthday arrives, and with it, her savvy. Determined to help Poppa with her new gift, Mibs boards a Bible-seller’s pink bus and sets out to reach the hospital. Unfortunately, the bus driver, the cops and new discoveries about her savvy thwart her efforts. Will she reach her father before it’s too late?

The Newbery Honor-winning Savvy by Ingrid Law is a sweet, coming-of-age tale with a magical twist. Lively language makes Mibs a charming young lady for whom readers intuitively root. The savvy serves as a unique device to hook the reader, but Mibs’ story really revolves around complications with friends, rivals, family and boys. This combination powerfully engages readers with the miraculous and holds them with realism.

The first half of the book is stronger than the second, but readers barely notice as they find themselves involved with Law’s vividly endearing characters. Savvy is a refreshingly pro-family read without preachy or didactic overtones.

Review copy provided by Puffin Books.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Publication Date: May 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

With Percy Jackson’s Rick Riordan presiding over the story arch of the Scholastic-born series The 39 Clues, things had to be good. And they have been. With seven books released (the eighth arriving in a few days), a huge online marketing campaign, collectible cards, and a feature movie to release under the direction of Steven Spielberg, what else could there be to do with the series? That’s where the new Agent Handbook comes in.

Building on the success of the books, the Agent Handbook compiles a lot of the basic information together into one handy volume. Complete with character profiles, Cahill branch descriptions, letter-head for forging notes, and other tidbits, this book becomes something a dedicated fan of The 39 Clues will want to have on the shelf. Main characters are described in detail, giving interesting facts about what family branch they come from, their greatest weaknesses and strengths on the hunt for the clues, and some notes along the bottom that are definitely going to reveal a few hidden things about the series. In some places, journal entries and photographs of various clue hunters are included, providing some unique insight into such people as the Holts, the Kabras, and the Wizards.

Much of the space of the book is taken from blank pages where readers can journal their own secrets from the clue hunt, as well as letterhead from each family branch that can be removed from the book. A back section contains pages of codes and some hidden messages, that once deciphered, will give readers some exciting hints they may have missed all along. And then, some of the greatest surprises come from the very end, where the books are listed out – all ten of them – and include some special secrets about each title, as well as the upcoming three. Unfortunately, book ten is still under high classification, so we can’t see everything, but some of the facts regarding books eight and nine (still to be released) do provide a few shocks.

Finally, there is a section to keep track of which cards readers have collected from The 39 Clues Card Packs. And true to form… scribbled notes around certain cards give hints as to which ones might just give more information about Dan and Amy’s parents, what lies at the end of the clue hunt, and Madrigal secrets.

While this one may seem rather useless to people just coming into the books, long-time and newer fans of The 39 Clues will definitely enjoy the Agent Handbook, and will spend some time trying to crack the codes and secrets scattered throughout. And they might just discover something very revealing about the mysteries surrounding the Cahill family secret.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: September 2007

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

When Dashti’s mistress, Lady Saren, refuses to marry the man her father has chosen, both girls are thrown into a sealed tower to endure a seven-year punishment. Soon Khan Tegus, a kind suitor, calls upon them and Saren orders Dashti to impersonate her, a crime punishable with death. Reluctantly, Dashti obeys and finds herself anticipating this man’s visits. But food supplies grow scarce and an evil suitor, Khasar, taunts them. Dashti must find a way to protect her mistress and escape the tower’s confines.

Against a backdrop of war-torn and defeated lands, Dashti and Saren flee to Tegus’ homeland, still maintaining their switched identities. But Khasar’s lust for power leads him to conquer this country as well. As he approaches their new home, Dashti learns she must face Khasar if she and Saren hope to survive.

Something about Book of a Thousand Days by Newbery Honor-winner Shannon Hale entrances readers into propping their eyelids against the late hours. The magic of foreign lands and the thrill of adventure may have something to do with this. Or it could be poetic language and a truly heroic, yet humble protagonist. Readers will cheer for Dashti, a simple but intelligent girl, who can restore the human spirit with her healing songs. Ever hopeful and hardy, she tells the tale through her carefully kept journal.

Shannon Hale patterns the setting of this retold Grimm fairytale (“Maid Maleen”) after medieval Mongolia—a unique choice that lends a distinctive quality and tone to the book. Some elements of religion and eastern mysticism naturally creep into the book for this reason, as well as bits of magic.

A well-told, charming tale.

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Disney Press

Publication Date: April 2008

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

One thing that Disney is expert at is creating franchises. And they have definitely accomplished that with the ever popular Pirates of the Caribbean, from amusement park rides to three feature films, a slew of merchandise, and this real gem: the Jack Sparrow book series by Rob Kidd. Each volume is short and quick, always coming in under 150 pages. These are definitely geared towards the children’s market, but there is something really magical about each entry that shines to both kids and adults alike. And the same can be said about book eleven, Poseidon’s Peak.

A teenage Jack Sparrow rows out into the middle of the ocean. He’s been abandoned by all the friends he had, and now he’s heard whispers of an ancient treasure hidden somewhere on a mountain peak. He sets off to look for it, and soon finds himself running from islanders, swimming into underground caverns, and trying to figure out just who is this mysterious dying man who knows Jack’s name, but nothing about himself. And all of this leads up to the final startling shocks: someone has gained control of a power that will allow them to rule the Seven Seas… and kill Jack Sparrow for good.

The writing is always crisp with Kidd, and the pacing is insanely fast, with just a touch of development for Jack’s character as he struggles to decide whether to become a pirate or not. The book builds on events in the previous ten volumes, and to really get the full story, new readers should head back to book one, The Coming Storm, and start there. But Kidd has set this one up so that anyone could really jump in and not be too lost.

The nice thing about these books is that the plots are actually pretty good. Kidd doesn’t just offer up a quick and easy storyline. Usually things get complicated for Jack Sparrow, and often there is a bit of mystery that isn’t revealed until the very end. And it’s always fun to see how he will tie in a cameo appearance from a character in the films – anyone from Davy Jones to Mr. Gibbs to the Kraken.

Kids who enjoyed the Pirates movies will love this quick read, and even adults will enjoy the adventures of young Jack Sparrow and his crew.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publication Date: June 2008

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

In the aftermath of Harry Potter, numerous authors took up the mantle of writing stories of magic and wizardry. And Sarah Prineas offers up her debut novel, The Magic Thief, as just such an entry into the world of fantasy juvenile fiction.

Conn stumbles across a mysterious figure entering the Twilight side of the city of Wellmet, and the gutter boy picks his pockets and finds a strange stone. When Conn survives an attack from the stone, the mysterious man, Nevery Flinglas, takes the boy in. And thus begins their adventures, as Nevery tries to discover why the magic is draining out of the city and Conn just tries to figure out the mysteries surrounding his own life. Then they both discover the truth: if the magic disappears completely, all of Wellmet will be destroyed. And Conn may be the key to saving them all…

The premise seems promising, and there is mystery and magic enough to keep things interesting, but The Magic Thief just never quite caught me the way I thought it would. Things begin incredibly slowly, and for about a hundred pages, we follow the barely-speaking Conn around as he describes strange islands and the biscuits he has for breakfast every morning. The plot does pick up about halfway through, but by that time it’s fairly obvious what is really going on. And the major plot twist comes at a strange moment, and almost doesn’t feel true to the rest of the story.

But not all is lost. The setting, which is highly reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events or one of Tom Becker’s Darkside novels, shines in a gothic, turn-of-the-century way. And some of the characters are highly entertaining as well. However, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Harry Potter on quite a few occasions, from the school where students learn magic to the snotty kid, Keeston, who is pretty much Draco Malfoy wearing different colored robes. But the setting itself is enough to switch up the rest of the Potter feel.

Prineas has included some fun extras as well. After most chapters, a journal entry or letter from Nevery slides in, complete with secret messages to decipher using a key in the back of the book. There’s also a map, character and location profiles, and even recipes for those biscuits that are mentioned non-stop throughout The Magic Thief.

Setting aside the plodding pace that will surely lose some readers along the way, The Magic Thief, does get some things right. And fans looking for a different sort of wizard and magic tale might just enjoy this one.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication Date: January 2009

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I love picking up a book, blasting through to the end, and wishing I had read it sooner. And when that book starts off a series, it’s even better. P. W. Catanese has definitely delivered with Happenstance Found, book one in The Books of Umber.

When a young boy named Happenstance is found left alone in the ruins of an ancient city, Lord Umber takes him into his care, knowing that the boy has been left for him to find. But Happenstance doesn’t know who he is or where he comes from or even why he exists. And the mysteries start to build: why can the boy see in the dark? Why doesn’t he have to sleep? And why does everyone stare at his green eyes as if they’re a curse? Happenstance journeys with his questions into a new world: a world filled with barges strapped to the backs of leviathans, ancient evils, and a nasty creature that will hunt him down to the death.

Catanese has done things right: created strong characters that are easy to connect with and enjoy. The world of Happenstance and Umber is fleshed out nicely, without giving us huge explanations to plod through. When the back stories do emerge, they flow seamlessly with the rest of the novel.

He’s also crafted a strong plot that ducks around the edges of the typical fantasy genres, dishing out a nice bit of humor alongside the suspense of his story. In fact, some of the twists that he delivers are so startling that I found myself nearly breathless as I frantically flipped the pages. The beginning does start out a bit slowly, but there is definitely enough mystery up front to keep things flowing until some of the real twists about midway. And with some insanely creepy scenes thrown in, I couldn’t help checking over my shoulder as I read.

Fans of offbeat fantasy novels will definitely enjoy this one. And since this is the beginning of a series, Catanese doesn’t answer everything by the last page. But he does hand off an incredible twist by the end that will leave readers aching for the next volume.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Disney Editions

Publication Date: March 2008

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I love reading spy novels – anything with international intrigue or the FBI or the CIA – I just devour it. And when I found out that Ridley Pearson had written a kid-spy-type novel, I was definitely intrigued. I’ve been somewhat of a backseat fan of Pearson after reading his Peter and the Starcatchers novel, co-written with Dave Barry. So I thought I would give Steel Trapp: The Challenge a chance. And I’m glad I did.

Things start out with a fourteen-year old boy named Steel Trapp, who is traveling to Washington, D.C. with his mother for the National Science Challenge. But when a mysterious lady drops a briefcase off on the train and then disappears onto the platform, Steel can’t help but wonder what is going on. And soon, he finds himself swimming in a plot that could change the face of the United States of America forever – unless he can outsmart the people after him just long enough to figure things out. But with time sliding away and lives in danger, it’s going to take a miracle to save them all.

I had read Pearson’s Kingdom Keepers a while back, and I must say that book left me a little under-impressed. The writing had seemed to jump all over the place, never really sticking very solidly to the story. The plot of Keepers soon became so convoluted that it was very difficult to follow. I kind of expected something similar with The Challenge, but I was really surprised at the linear way that Pearson holds the story together. Things don’t jump around out of control and hard to follow. Instead the story keeps moving right along, pausing here and there at the right moment to develop an interesting side plot with Steel’s parents and their failing relationship.

The characters are fun too. There’s Steel, who’s not your typical Alex Rider hero. Instead, he’s a self-proclaimed science fair nerd, who just has a photographic memory. He’s not even that smart; he can just remember the things he’s seen. And then there’s his new friend Kaileigh, a girl who’s trying to outwit her governess, oust whoever stole her science project for the National Challenge, and just keep up with Steel’s antics.

With a ton of fun adventure/action, The Challenge is definitely one that will please readers who might like a more light-hearted Alex Rider book. And with a very decent surprise twist or two, Pearson has given us something good to read and enjoy.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: September 2009

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

It’s always great to find a new book series that has it all: adventure, action, charm, humor. And when I first stumbled across The Seems by John Hulme and Michael Wexler, I knew that this was going to be something good. And it was. The first book, The Glitch in Sleep, was a good entry into the new world of the Seems – the world creating The World. While a bit cutesy at moments, it definitely was a fun fantasy/adventure title. And then book two, The Split Second, took everything that was great about the first book and made it even better. So nothing could have set my expectations higher than when I discovered the third volume, The Lost Train of Thought. And while it definitely promised a lot, it didn’t quite live up to it.

The plot starts straight out with Fixer Becker Drane’s court trial in the Seems. Becker has broken rules in the Seems, and now the Powers That Be have decided that he needs to be held accountable for his actions. But before the final verdict comes down, a Train of Thought bound for The World goes missing, as do four of the best Fixers known in all the Seems. Soon Becker finds himself on a mission to save The World once again, but this time, if he fails, the Seems may just come crumbling to its knees as well.

Hulme and Wexler include much of the same humor – striking puns of everyday phrases. They also have plenty of mystery going on: where is the lost train? Who is trying to overthrow the Seems? What really is The Most Amazing Thing of All? But where this book seemed to fail was the fact that it kept cutting away just as an action scene was about to begin. And instead of showing us, they just skipped ahead and explained in a paragraph or two what had happened. There was more than once I felt a little bit disappointed at not getting to see the epic battles play out between the heroes and villains.

The other thing that struck me was the tone shift in the book. The first fifty pages or so really started out in kind of a depressing spiral, but then the later two-thirds seemed just like previous books in the series: more light-hearted and fun and adventurous. But, the thing that really salvaged things for me was the ending. Hulme and Wexler leave off with a few startling revelations for the series that definitely promise to have a huge impact on the characters and The World itself.

The Lost Train of Thought ends up being a good entry in this fantasy adventure series, but misses the mark here and there, and definitely does not live up to its predecessor, The Split Second. Here’s hoping to a fourth book that gets things a bit more… on Track.

Genre: Children’s, Young Adult

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publication Date: April 2008

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Stuck in a modern fallout shelter for six years, Eli Yanakakis grieves for his twin brother and grandmother who were left outside the shelter during a nuclear attack. Eli has escaped death, but has become introverted, self-focused and standoffish as he waits for the 15-year time period to expire and he can return to what is left of the world. But problems with the food supply threaten the family—that is, until his father presents an unthinkable solution to the problem. Horrified, Eli begins to doubt his father and his sanity. As his trust in his father dissolves, Eli discovers a link to the outside that upends all he knows about his world in the compound.

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen is slightly reminiscent of Flowers in the Attic, an entrapment novel simply told and a straightforward story that pushes the reader through the pages. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, readers race through the pages, curious to learn what new aspects of the shelter will be revealed, what new horrors hide in the massive compound.

Some plot points seem a little thin, like Eli’s discovery of the secret exit code, but the speedy pace helps gloss over this a bit. The Compound is clearly a first novel for Bodeen with more explanatory narrative than development through scenes, but again, Bodeen masterfully harnesses the curious nature of readers, forcing them along on a breathtaking ride of deceit, madness and fear.

With multiple social issues addressed within, this book provides ample opportunity for discussion in classrooms or among families. Youth will appreciate this book and will, most likely, easily overlook its flaws.

Review copy provided by Feiwel and Friends.

Genre: Children, Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: March 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I walked through the shelves of a local bookstore tonight and literally gasped out loud when I saw Lord Sunday sitting on the shelf. I quickly glanced up to make sure no one had heard me, and then I raced down to the checkout counter. It was all I could do to keep myself from speeding home to read the book, which I had not expected to release for a couple more weeks. And now, after two years of waiting, the final chapter in Garth Nix’s The Keys to the Kingdom series has finally arrived.

Since quite a bit of time had passed since I had read book six, Superior Saturday, I was a bit confused jumping into the storyline again. And Nix really does start blasting right into things. Arthur Penhaligon is still struggling against the forces massing against him and threatening to completely destroy everything he knows and loves. Waves of Nothing ravage the very foundations of the House, the other universe related directly to Earth, which is also crumbling under the throes of an epidemic that might just eat away at every living person left. And as the final battles culminate, it all falls to Arthur to save them all from dissolving into the black Nothingness.

The pacing here is quick and Nix almost leaves the reader breathless as they fly through one near death escape after another. Everything almost started to blend together as I kept waiting for the final mysteries of the series to be resolved. And Nix drags things out to the very bitter end before revealing the secrets behind all seven books in the last few pages. I don’t want to go too deeply into the plot here, as it would really spoil things, but after I closed the book I almost had the feeling that Nix needed a quick way to wrap things up. The rather nihilistic ending did draw things to a definite close, and there was definitely a tremendous climax leading up to the end, but somehow, it just all seemed suddenly over. In the end, I was satisfied with the way things turned out, but it just felt like he could have done a bit more .

All said, this fantasy series is definitely worth the investment. Some of the earlier titles are simply great storytelling. And Lord Sunday is necessary to the end of it all and for wrapping it up. Readers who have enjoyed the series thus far will enjoy the ending, but new-comers should definitely pick up the first book, Mister Monday, and start on through to the end. Fans of books like Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan, or The Seems by John Hulme and Michael Wexler, would definitely enjoy this fantasy romp through imaginative lands and epic battles. And, at least new readers won’t have to wait two years for the final volume.

Genre: Children

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: September 2009

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

In the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene visits a fortuneteller and asks questions about his dead sister. There he learns she lives, despite the lies he’s heard all his life, and that an elephant can lead him to her. In another part of town, a magician longing to perform real magic accidentally causes an elephant to fall through the roof of the opera house where he is performing. As Peter seeks his sister, his story and that of several townspeople (the woman crippled by the falling elephant, the police officer who arrests the magician, the elephant caretaker and others) knit together in a tapestry of love, magic and healing.

The Magician’s Elephant by Newbery-winner Kate DiCamillo possesses a simple story line, yet is surprisingly complex. Initially, the plot comes across as being too simple, but as the book progresses, DiCamillo develops her story with a deceptive depth. Magical and mystical, the soft-focus, grayscale illustrations enhance the book’s mysterious and cinematic flavor. There is an emotional darkness to the book that can be a bit lonely, but DiCamillo uses this to express how one event can lead to healing for all.

While mid-elementary children might struggle to appreciate this book given its less overt action, older children and tweens will recognize the merits within.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: 2009

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The animals in the zoo are all sick! How did it happen? In a delightfully gross picture book, Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo by E.S. Redmond, a young lady named Felicity goes to the zoo. But her sniffly, snuffly cold goes with her. As she meets the various critters in the park, she leaves behind a trail of goo on each of the animals, all because she doesn’t have a tissue.

This rhyming book cautions children to practice good germ control while enchanting them with rhymes. Amazingly, every rhyme in the book rhymes with “goo,” yet the rhymes never feel forced. Each fits naturally into the flow of the story. The unique illustrations feature ink and watercolor mediums in muted tones. The vibe of “sick” appropriately permeates the illustrations.

Felicity Floo is good clean fun, especially in cold and flu season.

Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.

Genre: Children, Young Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: April 2008

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

As a freshman in high school, Will Tuppence has come to count on certain things in life:  the peskiness of his little sister, Tabby, steadfast friendships with Mi-Su and BT, the invincibility of protons. When he hears of a recent discovery—that protons can decay—Will’s neatly ordered world begins to unravel. Suddenly he sees Mi-Su as a female, rather than merely a friend. BT becomes competition. And the five-year-old neighbor boy who pines after Tabby plays psychiatrist to frustrated Will. But a terrifying accident leaves Will pondering what truly matters. Skateboarding, anchovy pizza and Friday night Monopoly take a backseat as he learns the meaning of real love.

Amidst many literary voices clamoring for attention, Jerry Spinelli’s Smiles to Go shushes many of them. A coming-of-age tale that feels effortlessly true, Smiles offers an authentic voice to which young people will relate (“Yeah, that’s me”) and with which adults will reminisce (“Yeah, I remember that”).

This is Spinelli’s playground—the arena where he enters the psyche of the young. He speaks to them on a personal level while simultaneously entertaining them. The book’s genuine perspective makes the reader wonder, “Surely Jerry Spinelli is, himself, still 15 years old!” Plenty of humor, honest characters and short chapters make this a friendly book for reluctant readers. But while these traits may draw readers, the book’s truthfulness will hold them. Indeed, it is the most honest book I’ve read in a long while.

Review copy provided by Harper Collins.

Genre: Children

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 2007

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The Grandson has grown up with his grandmamma’s tales of witches, their wicked ways and their horrifying hatred of children. She has told him these tales to prepare him for the inevitable day when a witch will try to eliminate him, in the same way witches try to do away with other children. But the Grandson never expects to encounter a whole room full of witches and when he does, he must find a way to foil their evil plan to destroy all of England’s children.

The Witches by Roald Dahl plays upon children’s love of the fantastic and their fascination with the frightening, but in an empowering, child-centric fashion. Children will sit on the edge of their seats, itching to learn more about the unique, and yet still familiar, world Dahl has created. Of course, the tale needs to be prefaced with an affirmation that the book is indeed pretend, since readers are told multiple times that witches do exist despite what any adult says. But once this is handled, Dahl treats readers to a plot line of magic and heroism, legends and oral history. This simply told tale is a Dahl classic.

Genre: Children

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 2007

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Young Matilda Wormwood just doesn’t belong in her crude family—they’d rather be watching television and selling lemons at their used car lot. A gifted, extraordinary child, Matilda teaches herself to read and multiply while still a toddler. When she begins kindergarten, she finds a kindred soul in her teacher, Miss Honey, who embraces the child’s special gifts and offers the girl the affection she has never known. But the child-hating headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is determined to make school a misery for Matilda and all the other children of Crunchem Hall Primary School. When a shocking truth surrounding The Trunchbull and Miss Honey comes to light, Matilda is determined to help her beloved teacher.

Although Matilda is a kindergartener, the vocabulary of the book is better suited to upper elementary ages. But Matilda is so mature that older children will be able to identify with her. The book is replete with justice themes that children will immediately recognize and appreciate. Matilda sees the injustices perpetrated by the adults around her and takes matters into her own hands with pranks, payback and use of magical powers.

In his classic style, Roald Dahl infuses Matilda with absurdity (a headmistress who whirls little girls by their pigtails), the fantastic (telekinetic powers that terrify said headmistress) and liberal doses of sheer kid power (every move Matilda makes)—a combination that has endeared his work to children for years.

Genre: Children

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 2007

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

Mr. Fox has been stealing from Farmers Boggis, Bean and Bunce. So the three revolting farmers set out to trap and kill Mr. Fox and his family. Only when the family is surrounded and starving, without food or hope, does Mr. Fox reveal just how fantastic he is. In Fantastic Mr. Fox, Roald Dahl creates a compelling read for children as they follow the adventures of the Fox family and their battle to survive the farmers’ onslaught.

Dahl is a master storyteller who specializes in simple, straightforward, plot-based tales. No complex plot lines or subplots here. Just true, basic storytelling at its best. Children will root for the Foxes and hold their breaths, waiting to discover how the family escapes from a frightening situation.

The one problematic component of the story is the treatment of Mr. Fox’s stealing—it is deemed fully acceptable, and even explained in the text as such, because it is done for the sake of saving the Fox family from starvation. But, Dahl never deals with the original, frivolous stealing that triggered the farmers’ witch-hunt. He portrays the natural consequences of stealing as unjust to the thief. A film version of the book is now in theaters and it will be interesting to see how the film handles this tricky area.

Regardless, the tale is an exciting one that reads exceptionally well to younger elementary audiences and is an excellent transition from picture books to chapter books. It just needs to be paired with intentional conversation regarding the thievery element.