A high-interest fantasy romp.
Three friends face one giant problem.
Since narrowly escaping many dangers in Mihi Ever After (2022), Korean American Mihi Whan Park has been afraid to admit her secret to besties Reese and Savannah: She misses the Rainbow Realm and its magic. When Genevieve, Mihi’s former best friend and current archnemesis, is near tears due to punishment for a fight they got into at school, Mihi impulsively tells her about the Rainbow Realm in an attempt to cheer her up. Soon after, Genevieve disappears—and Mihi discovers her backpack near the portal. Mihi, Reese, and Savannah decide they ought to rescue Genevieve even though “she’s rude and a little spoiled and she doesn’t seem to care about other people’s feelings.” They are surprised to find the Rainbow Realm in dire straits thanks to a large beanstalk and a giant who has been stealing the rain. The action-packed plot maintains a brisk pace as the trio meet with familiar characters, friendly and otherwise, and learn that Genevieve has gone searching for the giant’s gold. Using a spell, the three girls disguise themselves and sneak into the giant’s ball. Even though they are captured, with a bit of magic and ingenuity, they are able to save the day. Keller deftly explores both perseverance and the evolving nature of friendships that sometimes need to end. Readers would benefit from familiarity with the first book. The ending paves the way for another adventure. Final art not seen.
A high-interest fantasy romp. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN: 9781250814227
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
File under “laugh riot.”
A rogue spell-check program’s bid to transform all life-forms into that eminently useful office item, the paper clip, touches off a fresh round of lunar lunacy.
Predicated on the entirely reasonable premise that eliminating all spelling and grammar errors everywhere would logically lead to the necessity of exterminating carbon-based life in the universe, this third series entry combines high stakes with daffy banter and daring exploits. CheckMate—a chipper, jumped-up editing program—has invented the Transmogratron, a giant laser that will fulfill its ultimate goals in both the cyber world and “meatspace.” Facing challenges as random as prankster lunar unicorns and a disarmingly motherly Motherboard, scowling First Cat joins a motley crew of diversely carbon- and silicon-based allies, led by the pearlescent Queen of the Moon. They’re in a race to the finish—diverted occasionally by, for instance, a relentlessly punny comic-book interlude featuring a pair of literal and figurative Pool Sharks. They ultimately triumph thanks to teamwork and moxie. Following a celebratory party and toasts to “new friends…and steadfast comrades” (and, of course, “MEOW”), the story’s energetic, brightly colored panels close with a reveal of the next volume. (“I always hate it when comics end by announcing a sequel. SO CRINGE!” declares an authorial stand-in.) It can’t come too soon.
File under “laugh riot.” (Graphic science fiction. 8-11)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9780063315280
Page Count: 272
Publisher: HarperAlley
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A pleasing premise for book lovers.
A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.
When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)
A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9780316448222
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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