A paranormal that’s at its best when it’s real.
Remarkably, this ghost story is much sadder before Andy’s grandfather dies than afterward.
This middle-grade fantasy opens by showing the full pain of losing someone to cancer. At the funeral, in a lovely moment, Andy thinks, “I can’t tell if they’re all crying for Grandpa or if other people have died as well and they’re also being buried today. I don’t dare ask anyone.” But when Grandpa comes back as a spirit, the book turns instantly hopeful. He’s smiling, and he promises never to leave his grandson. The change in tone works surprisingly well at first, but in its later chapters, the book becomes a comic adventure, with Grandpa giving Andy tips on how to woo his crush, and then, abruptly, a thriller, complete with an evil phantom who threatens said crush. This figure appears and, literally, disappears with so little warning that the novel turns into a cartoon, but Krac’s surreal, smudged gray-black drawings are so disturbing that they add a whole layer of menace to the story. Unfortunately, they don’t make the underwritten love interest any less of a cliché (or the cast less uniformly white). Gadot leaves too many plot points unexplained—perhaps to set up later books in the trilogy—but in its slowest, most nuanced scenes, this story about ghosts shows the entire richness of life.
A paranormal that’s at its best when it’s real. (Supernatural adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: June 11, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-58270-688-7
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Beyond Words Publishing
Review Posted Online: April 9, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2019
Horse-loving kids will read this novel and recognize a kindred spirit.
In Count’s middle-grade series starter, 12-year-old Abby grows close to a pony destined to be sold to someone else.
A pony named Glory is a handful—so beautiful that she looks like a mythical creature and sweet and loving when she wants to be, but she also possesses a naughty streak that causes trouble. Abby and Glory have a special bond; Abby understands the pony better than anyone, and the time they get to spend together at the equestrian center is precious. Unfortunately, Abby’s family can’t afford to buy her a pony of her own, so it’s only a matter of time before Glory will be sold to another family. As the pair grow closer, Abby wrestles with whether she should enjoy the time she has with Glory or try to protect herself from the pain of watching her bond with another rider. Time and time again, Abby draws upon her good common sense and her belief that things always happen for a reason, and each time, the day she’ll have to say goodbye to Glory grows closer. Young horse aficionados will fall in love with this story, which does a marvelous job of teaching readers all about equestrian care and training as well as providing an excellent role model in Abby and other strong female characters. This is a Christian-centered book featuring quotes such as “If things aren’t going as planned, it’s because God has a better plan,” but the focus is on values that transcend specific religions, such as believing in yourself and being honest, generous, and kind, even toward people whom you envy. As a result, readers of all faiths will likely feel at home in Abby’s world. In addition, the author includes extras that horse-riding fans will appreciate, including a glossary of equestrian terms, a recipe for carrot treats, and equestrian diagrams.
Horse-loving kids will read this novel and recognize a kindred spirit.Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2022
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 113
Publisher: Hastings Creation Group
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Pippi is an inspired creation knit from daydreams.
A fresh delicious fantasy that children will love.
In the character of 9-year-old Pippi Longstocking, who was lucky to have no parents to tell her what to do, is a juvenile Robin Hood with the authority of Mammy Yokum and a Mighty Mouse. Pippi- red headed, in longstockings (one black and one brown), and the strongest girl in the world was the friend of Tommy and Annika. Calmly and ingeniously she put down the enemy forces of the adult world — with a serene efficiency. The teacher was baffled by her logic in pointing out the futility of learning arithmetic; bullies she hoisted on trees; at the circus Pippi rode bareback, walked the tightrope, and wrestled the wrestling champ; cream and sugar flowed (on the floor) when Pippi attended a ladies' coffee party where she revealed "horrid things" with the complacency of Eliza Doolittle. Champion of fun, freedom and fantasy and long happy thoughts,
Pippi is an inspired creation knit from daydreams.Pub Date: Oct. 16, 1950
ISBN: 978-0-14-030957-7
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 1, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1950
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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