An amusing enough diversion.
Stopping a prankster results in a science-versus-magic showdown.
Freddy, the son of Victor von Frankenstein, and his family live in a palace above a Nepalese village. Having sneaked away to the village for the Biska Jatra festival celebrating the new year, Freddy is busted skipping chores; the sindoor, the red-orange powder that’s a part of the celebration, on his face gives him away. But when a disaster in the lab leaves Freddy’s parents covered in orange goo, it’s Freddy (already in hot water) who takes the blame—and who has to help clean the mess. After another messy prank, Freddy decides to clear his name by finding the real culprit. He uses logic to exclude some members of the family and teams with his brother, F.M. (Frankenstein’s creation), and his adopted sister, Riya (a werecat with supersenses), to follow clues. But when superscience fails, Freddy must concede that it’s the work of another magic-using “fantastical.” The hunt—and Freddy’s opponent’s traps—provide tension through the mystery and age-appropriate mild danger. Finally, Freddy finds and confronts the perpetrator. It takes teamwork to overwhelm the prankster in a slightly underwhelming conclusion. However, a loose end from one prank, in tying itself up, circles back neatly to the opening, making for a more satisfying story shape. Freddy is biracial (Victor presents White; his mother, Shan, is Chinese), Riya is Indian, and F.M. is a Frankenstein’s monster–esque figure.
An amusing enough diversion. (Fantasy. 6-8)Pub Date: July 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4998-1296-1
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Bash is back for another session of Scare School.
This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922128
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
Approachable and comfortably predictable.
A young ghost arrives at Scare School.
Unlike big sister Bella, late bloomer Bash has never been good at “all the GHOST STUFF.” Dad’s sure that Scare School is just what Bash needs. Bash isn’t so certain; he’s intimidated by his classmates and teachers. But he perks up when he meets his roommate, Itsy, a smart, welcoming spider, though he vows to steer clear of mean-spirited Vlad and Vicky. Still, the dreaded Creature Aptitude Test worries Bash. To pass, he must pass through solid objects and turn himself invisible—skills he struggles with. Bash doesn’t want to be kicked out of school, so he’ll have to buckle down. With Itsy’s help and encouragement from his classmates, Bash realizes he’s more capable than he thought. Written in first person from endearingly anxious Bash’s point of view, the book has a diarylike feel. The text is presented in a handwritten font, while grayscale cartoon illustrations are peppered throughout. The supportive, sincere friendship between Bash and Itsy is the most compelling part of the story. Letters between Bash and Bella shed further light on Bash’s personality and their relationship. Though the book’s takeaway—believe in yourself, and you can do anything—is a familiar one, it’s just what many children need…and who better to deliver the message than an adorably nervous ghost?
Approachable and comfortably predictable. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922098
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2024
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