The Ice Gate of Spyre (The Six Crowns Book #4) by Allan Jones –ADVISABLE

Jones, Allan and Illustrated by Chalk, Gary The Ice Gate of Spyre (The Six Crowns Book #4) 160 pgs.Greenwillow Books, 2012. $11.99.  (Rating: G)

Spyre is a vast land of floating islands, and Trundle the hedgehog and his unusual crew are using their floating ship to search for the six famed Badger crowns. At this point in the adventure they have 3, and are looking for the Crown of Ice. Their island search appears to be pretty straightforward, but they are waylaid and tricked, and must use all their wits to survive.

This was a cute and adventurous chapter book,  perfect for 2^ndand 3^rd graders. Reminded me a bit of the Redwall Series, but much shorter (hooray), but at times –less whitty and funny. I still think students will enjoy the strong personalities of the crew and want to join in the search for the crowns. Really need the previous books in the series to make this one a hit. Can be a read alone but shouldn’t be.   

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.