A rousing, plot-driven fantasy with important environmental themes.
Two siblings try to save a group of sea turtles from pirates on a mysterious, magic island in this chapter book.
As 10-year-old Reese Walters, an aspiring marine biologist, and her younger brother, Dean, watch an internet video of a sea turtle gliding through magnificent waters, they find themselves sucked in and transported to the beach in the work. Although the kids discover they are invisible to other humans, they overhear someone saying they are in “Erutuf National Park” on an island in the Pacific Ocean. They are also shocked to learn that they can communicate with animals, including Emma, a “three-foot-long, three-hundred-pound” sea turtle, who asks them to help save the island from pirates attempting to take it over. Emma explains that the pirates have no concern for the animal inhabitants and even disrupted “baby turtle hatch time and blocked the path to the ocean for a number of the babies.” The kids agree, and later Emma promises to help the siblings find their way back home. Reese and Dean learn that the island is a magical place. For instance, when a sea turtle pal needs rescuing, Reese develops a mermaid tail and the ability to breathe underwater when she jumps in to assist the animal. The kids embark on a mission to locate a special map and hide it from the pirates. Despite the magical surroundings, danger lurks nearby. Reese and Dean eventually find themselves face to face with some threatening pirates. But with guidance from the enchanted residents of the sea turtles’ Sand Dancer Castle, the kids utilize bravery, quick thinking, and teamwork to defeat the foes. This fast-paced read will engage fantasy and adventure fans. Readers will root for the spirited siblings and their daring actions while being inspired to care for nature, the environment, and the myriad creatures in the world. Cherry’s detailed descriptions of the scenic locale have major kid appeal. The siblings enjoy spending time in Sand Dancer Castle, a gigantic, opulent dwelling with themed rooms and magical accents, including communicative creatures that move in the wallpaper. The castle’s highlights include a rainbow playroom and a candy-scented room with real butterflies.
A rousing, plot-driven fantasy with important environmental themes.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-66571-054-1
Page Count: 110
Publisher: Archway Publishing
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
We challenge anyone to read this and keep a straight face.
Four misunderstood villains endeavor to turn over a new leaf…or a new rap sheet in Blabey's frenzied romp.
As readers open the first page of this early chapter book, Mr. Wolf is right there to greet them, bemoaning his reputation. "Just because I've got BIG POINTY TEETH and RAZOR-SHARP CLAWS and I occasionally like to dress up like an OLD LADY, that doesn't mean… / … I'm a BAD GUY." To prove this very fact, Mr. Wolf enlists three equally slandered friends into the Good Guys Club: Mr. Snake (aka the Chicken Swallower), Mr. Piranha (aka the Butt Biter), and Mr. Shark (aka Jaws). After some convincing from Mr. Wolf, the foursome sets off determined to un-smirch their names (and reluctantly curbing their appetites). Although these predators find that not everyone is ready to be at the receiving end of their helpful efforts, they use all their Bad Guy know-how to manage a few hilarious good deeds. Blabey has hit the proverbial nail on the head, kissed it full on the mouth, and handed it a stick of Acme dynamite. With illustrations that startle in their manic comedy and deadpan direct address and with a narrative that follows four endearingly sardonic characters trying to push past (sometimes successfully) their fear-causing natures, this book instantly joins the classic ranks of Captain Underpants and The Stinky Cheese Man.
We challenge anyone to read this and keep a straight face. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-545-91240-2
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Lively fun with animal friends.
Has Plum’s pep deserted him?
Several animals from the Athensville Zoo are on their way to visit an elementary school. Overconfident Itch the ningbing (an Australian marsupial), unaware that zookeeper Lizzie will be doing all the talking, looks forward to “lecturing eager young minds.” Plum, the usually chipper peacock, on the other hand, is anxious—maybe the schoolchildren won’t like him or he’ll get lost. So when they arrive at the school to find the students have been sent home due to a blizzard, Plum is relieved. The animals are left in a school gym for the night until three self-important class mice free them. Itch heads for the library to meet the learned turtle, but Plum reluctantly explores with his friends. When his anxiety peaks, they reassure him, and when the mice reject Meg, another peacock, as “borrrring” and uncool, they buoy her as well before everyone comes together to save Itch, who finds himself outside and stranded in a snowdrift. Unlike Leave It to Plum (2022), this is not a mystery, and the relationship focus shifts from Lizzie to the rodents, but the pace is brisk, and sequel seekers will be pleased to revisit familiar characters (if dismayed that Itch’s longing for knowledge leads to his downfall). In Phelan’s engaging grayscale pen-and-wash illustrations, Lizzie has short curly hair; text and art cue her as Latine.
Lively fun with animal friends. (how to draw Plum) (Chapter book. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-06-307920-5
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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