Everyone knows the tale of Hansel & Gretel but this one is quite different and certainly reads as the title forecasts, as dark and Grimm. Yes, the familiar story is there but the twists and turns are most unexpected and take you down paths that are somewhat reminiscent of other Grimm tales. Quirky, scary and funny, this tale has deep truths and remarkable vision into the heart and soul of people of all ages. Companion book: In a Glass Grimmly with another title to be released in October 2013.

Similar authors: Lemony Snickett; Michael Buckley

Similar books: The Sisters Grimm series and the Series of Unfortunate Events.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award

Awards nominated: 2014 Rebecca Caudill Nominee

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 2/19/2013

ISBN-10: 0525423346

ISBN-13: 9780525423348

Check the library catalog

This is the tale of a mouse who must save a human princess. Despereaux has done the unspeakable. He has spoken to humans and he even claims to be in love with the Princess Pea. For this, the High Mouse Council sentences him to be thrown into the dungeon where the rats will surely kill him. Despereaux, though, escapes the dungeon only to find that his precious princess has been kidnapped by a wicked rat and a poor dimwitted serving girl. Despereaux must go back to the dungeon, this time by his own choice, in order to save the princess he loves. This Newbery winner is a tale of romance, adventure, chivalry and . . . soup.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 12/29/2010

ISBN-10: 0763617229

ISBN-13: 9780763617226

Check the library catalog

For all Muggle children who wonder what stories their friends in the wizarding world grew up listening to, here comes a new classic. The Tales of Beedle the Bard are the fairy tales of the magical world and show the amazing things magic can do... and also many things it can't. From the amusing, to the strange, to the possibly prophetic, these tales provide a wonderful glimpse into wizard-lore. Compiled by J.K. Rowling, this volume is a new translation from the ancient runes by Hermione Granger with helpful commentary from none other than former Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Companion to the Harry Potter series.

Reviewed by: mkl

Date read: 7/8/2009

ISBN-10: 0545128285

ISBN-13: 9780545128285

Check the library catalog

The Queen's Thief is caught in a rival kingdom after boasting that he can steal anything. Gen is released into the magus' care, and they travel to a distant land where Gen must steal a precious stone from a temple of the gods. Thrilling and suspenseful, this Newbery Honor book is set in a mythical land with many gods, who's stories are intertwined with Gen's. Sequels are The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia.

Similar books: Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan; Bloody Jack series by L. A. Meyer

Awards won: Newbery Honor 1997

Reviewed by: djd

Date read: 8/10/2009

ISBN-10: 0688146279

ISBN-13: 9780688146276

Check the library catalog

Jason's sulking in his room, feeling miserable, when his black cat, Gareth, speaks. It doesn't surprise Jason too much that Gareth can talk. What does surprise him is what Gareth says: while he doesn't have nine lives, he can visit nine different lives in any place and time. As it happens, Gareth can take Jason with him. If Jason and Gareth are separated, Jason will not be able to travel home. Their first stop is ancient Egypt. In Egypt, Gareth is snatched. Can Jason find his way home again?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/30/2010

ISBN-10: 0805072705

ISBN-13: 9780805072709

Check the library catalog