THE GREAT CASTLE OF MARSHMANGLE

Doyle offers his own version of the classic English tale, “Master of All Masters,” changing the signature tongue-tanglers to words of his own choosing and losing something along the way. When a young boy meets his grandfather for the first time, it’s quite an experience. This time, when asked what he should call things, the boy is told “Sandcastle Stompers” for boots, “Wooden Hill” for stairs, “Brainbox Banana” for yellow hat, “Smoulderglow” for the fire, and “Pickpocket” for the cat. The young boy catches on to the unfamiliar names and calls for “Hickory Horseradish” to bring some “Soggadrop,” and when he does, he saves the Great Castle of Marshmangle. Gently funny, this will have young readers talking the language, but they’d do well to find the original and learn about saving “High Topper Mountain” from “hot cockalorum.” Hess’s illustrations are bright and colorful, with interesting perspectives and just enough whimsy to bring smiles. (Folktales. 5-10)