fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsThe Evil ElvesThe Evil Elves by Bruce Coville

Moongobble has successfully (sort of) completed two of his three tasks to prove that he deserves to be a magician. His third task is to retrieve a jewel called The Queen’s Belly Button, which has the power to turn its owner evil, from the elves who stole it. The elves, who used to be peaceful creatures, have been badly influenced by the Belly Button and they do not want to give it back.

Edward et al. once again set out with Moongobble to help him get the jewel. It’s obvious by now that Moongobble always needs help because every time he attempts a magic spell, he is still turning things into cheese. Will Moongobble, Edward, and the rest of the gang be able to resist the temptation of the Queen’s Belly Button?

Again, there’s some repetitiveness as the reader is re-oriented to Bruce Coville’s world, and the same pattern is followed exactly, but this is mostly forgivable in a book aimed at children in grades 2-4. The recap is done quickly and the adventure begins almost immediately. As usual, there’s a surprise at the end!

The Evil Elves is the third book in Bruce Coville’s MOONGOBBLE AND ME series. Like its predecessors, it’s an hour long on audio and superbly produced by Full Cast Audio. I can highly recommend this series on audio, but you might want to also take a look at the print version because it’s beautifully illustrated by Bruce Coville’s wife, Katherine. My daughters and I have enjoyed listening to MOONGOBBLE AND ME together, but my older daughter (4th grade) is also planning to check out the hardbacks from the library so she can read them and get credit for Scholastic’s Reading Counts Program.

There are still a couple of books left in the MOONGOBBLE AND ME series. I’ve already downloaded the next one, The Mischief Monster.

Moongobble and Me — (2003-2008) Ages 9-12. Publisher: Edward is bored with life in the little town of Pigbone. Then Moongobble the Magician and his faithful toad, Urk, move into the cottage on the hill. Soon Edward has a job helping Moongobble. And Moongobble needs a lot of help because it turns out, he is not a very good magician. (His spells keep turning things into cheese!) Edward has never been so busy — or so happy. But then someone threatens to stop Moongobble from ever casting another spell. Edward can’t let that happen. He’ll do anything to save his friend’s magic — even face the deadly, dreaded Dragon of Doom! Funny and suspenseful, spiced with Bruce Coville’s special brand of wackiness and Katherine Coville’s warm, witty illustrations, this book is sure to cast a spell of delight on beginning readers.

Bruce Coville Moongobble and Me 1. The Dragon of Doom 2. The Weeping Werewolf 3. The Evil Elves 4. The Mischief Monster 5. The Naughty Nork Bruce Coville Moongobble and Me 1. The Dragon of Doom 2. The Weeping Werewolf 3. The Evil Elves 4. The Mischief Monster 5. The Naughty Nork Bruce Coville Moongobble and Me 1. The Dragon of Doom 2. The Weeping Werewolf 3. The Evil Elves 4. The Mischief Monster 5. The Naughty Nork Bruce Coville Moongobble and Me 1. The Dragon of Doom 2. The Weeping Werewolf 3. The Evil Elves 4. The Mischief Monster 5. The Naughty Nork Bruce Coville Moongobble and Me 1. The Dragon of Doom 2. The Weeping Werewolf 3. The Evil Elves 4. The Mischief Monster 5. The Naughty Nork

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  • Kat Hooper

    KAT HOOPER, who started this site in June 2007, earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and psychology at Indiana University (Bloomington) and now teaches and conducts brain research at the University of North Florida. When she reads fiction, she wants to encounter new ideas and lots of imagination. She wants to view the world in a different way. She wants to have her mind blown. She loves beautiful language and has no patience for dull prose, vapid romance, or cheesy dialogue. She prefers complex characterization, intriguing plots, and plenty of action. Favorite authors are Jack Vance, Robin Hobb, Kage Baker, William Gibson, Gene Wolfe, Richard Matheson, and C.S. Lewis.

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