Schlitz, Laura Amy Splendors and Glooms, 384 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $17.99 Language PG (2 swears no “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence PG.
Lizzie Rose and Parcefall work for Gaspar Grisini, an Italian puppeteer plying his trade on the streets of Victorian London. Grisini is not only a mean guardian, he is also an evil magician who turns Clara, daughter of a rich physician, into a marionette to hide her until he collects a ransom. When Grisini disappears and the children find a letter from a witch, they take the puppets and go in search of their fortune.
This Newbery Honor book is a gripping tale combining the hard life of children from the workhouse with just enough magic to make it exciting, scary and dangerous. A bit gritty in a couple of violent moments, but not graphic or disturbing.
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Lisa Librarian
No comments:
Post a Comment