Fantasy Literature for Children ages 9-12.
The Story of Cirrus Flux by Matthew Skelton
Matthew Skelton’s The Story of Cirrus Flux is an uneven YA novel that solidly entertains, though one wishes for stronger characters and a greater sense of place.
The Story of Cirrus Flux is set in London, 1783. The title character is an orphan whose father was a famed Antarctic explorer years ago, though Cirrus doesn’t discover this for some time. The book opens in 1756 during one of Cirrus’ father’s journeys,
March 6th, 2010. Bill Capossere´s rating: 3 | Matthew Skelton | Children, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
When last we left the intrepid — and tiny — heroes of Blackbringer, Magpie, Talon, and company were leaving on a task set to Magpie by the Magruwen (the Djinn King). Their mission: To find the last five of the Djinn who created the world.
In Silksinger we meet Whisper Silksinger, the last remaining member of a clan of faeries who weave flying carpets (because they’re all “scamperers,” meaning their wings are too small to carry them).
March 3rd, 2010. Beth Johnson Sonderby (guest)´s rating: 5 | Laini Taylor | Children | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
The Shamer’s Daughter by Lene Kaaberbol
The Shamer’s Daughter is in itself a pleasant little story that moves along well and has at its core an extremely intriguing concept that here is unfortunately not fully explored, but the good news is that while The Shamer’s Daughter is an ok read, its sequel, The Shamer’s Signet, is a much stronger book, well-rewarding the reader who begins the series.
“Shamers” have the gift of, as one might guess, shaming. To look into a Shamer’s eyes is to look into a mirror of your soul,
February 21st, 2010. Bill Capossere´s rating: 3 | Lene Kaaberbol | Children | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
When Charles Ludwig Dodgson first began to tell the story of Alice’s adventures underground to the three Liddell sisters, he had no idea whatsoever the impact that his work would one day have in the cultural history of humanity. Is there a person alive in Western civilization that doesn’t know of Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat? I seriously doubt it. Writing under the pen name of Lewis Carroll,
February 19th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher and Kat Hooper´s rating: 5 | Lewis Carroll | Children | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Magic by the Book by Nina Bernstein
It’s hard not to appreciate a book whose author clearly intends it to be a literary homage to some all-time favorite young fantasy authors: E. Nesbit, Edward Eager, Mary Norton, etc. And whether the tribute is subtle in terms of theme or visuals or plot or more directly stated, as when one of the characters references a book by the above mentioned authors, it is always done without a sense of irony — there’s a sincere sense of love there.
Unfortunately,
February 16th, 2010. Bill Capossere´s rating: 2 | Nina Bernstein | Children, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones
Had I realized that House of Many Ways was another sequel to Howl’s Moving Castle it would’ve ended up in my hands even quicker than it did. Nevertheless, it found its way there happily enough, allowing me another visit into my favorite of Diana Wynne Jones’ wonderful worlds.
House of Many Ways features Charmain Baker, an overly sheltered girl strong-armed by her aunt into taking care of her Great-Uncle William’s cottage — which just so happens to bend space and time,
February 8th, 2010. Beth Johnson Sonderby (guest)´s rating: 4.5 | Diana Wynne Jones | Children | SFF Reviews | 2 comments |
Arriman Canker (better known as Arriman the Awful, Loather of Light and Wizard of the North) is a dark wizard in search of an heir after a gypsy fortune teller prophesies the coming of another wizard to Darkington Hall. Arriman is excited about the prospect of a pupil in the dark arts, but it takes his long-suffering castle staff to point out to him that the only way to beget a child is to take a wife. The village of Todcaster is full of witches, and surely one of them would make a suitable bride.
February 8th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher´s rating: 3.5 | Eva Ibbotson | Children, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
In his introduction to the first American fairytale that went on to become one of the most famous and beloved movies of all time, author L. Frank Baum says a rather extraordinary thing. Discussing the purpose of the old fairytales by Grimm and Andersen, Baum tells us that such tales existed both to entertain children and provide a moral by means of “horrible and blood-curdling” incident. True enough, but Baum goes on to say that his book falls outside this typical definition of a fairytale,
February 7th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher´s rating: 5 | L. Frank Baum | Children | SFF Reviews | no comments |
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
During almost the entire length of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hermione Granger carried with her an old book titled The Tales of Beedle the Bard that was bequeathed to her by Professor Dumbledore in his will. It was not until much later that the full significance of the book, (particularly the final story) became clear in helping Harry achieve his quest of defeating Lord Voldemort.
There have been little allusions to “wizard fairytales”
January 27th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher´s rating: 4 | J.K. Rowling | Children, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Most people think they’ve read — or at least know — the story of Peter Pan. The figure of the boy who refuses to grow up has become so infused in Western culture that he’s taken on a life beyond his literary beginnings, starring in countless theatrical productions, movies, television series, prequels and sequels, his image used in merchandise (everything from records to peanut butter), and on several famous statues around the world (the most famous being the one in Kensington Gardens) and even providing the namesake behind a psychological condition (we’ve all heard of people with a “Peter Pan syndrome,” referring to those who refuse to accept the responsibilities of adult life).
January 14th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher and Kat Hooper´s rating: 5 | J.M. Barrie | Children | SFF Reviews | no comments |
so you're saying I should read it? :)
As a native New Yorker, I love the idea of the city being filled with canals and no skyscrapers! And…
How did I miss this? Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
I guess that is true, Marion. And when it comes to "You Only Live Twice," I saw the movie TWICE…
You managed to work in your two loves; vintage fiction and films!