A lighthearted book that blends magic with earthly themes and the loftier nature of all things.
Waterland presents an episodic children’s book about magical people, magical creatures, and grand life lessons.
While looking for amethyst crystals in Tree Forest, an accident causes magic-using fairy Auntie Hoolahoop to lose a wing and go falling through the clouds before landing under the nose of Mrs. Grupple, a sleeping yellow dog on Redbush Ranch. Luckily, her niece Quizzle, her friend Pinky Palm—an “everyanimal,” who is seen by others as a reflection of themselves —and Dragonfly and Hummingbird ensure everyone’s safe return home. The following summer, it’s time for Quizzle’s “flying up party” and she’s nervous about her command of her fairy wings. Pinky’s ordered a special present for Quizzle: a guardian angel named Titania with a magical whistle. A reassuring look from Pinky gives Quizzle the confidence she needs, and she flies into the party, then up and away through the ozone layer: “The Earth was as one body, populated with perfect little beings….Indeed, like waves in an ocean, they were each a different expression of the same thing—love.” On Halloween night, Wag the witch, angry that she wasn’t invited to Quizzle’s party, kidnaps Quizzle and Titania. The pair are terrified and lost in a dark tunnel until Quizzle remembers Titania’s whistle, which gives her some hope, and her fear decreases: “As their faith grew, the wicked witch began to shrink.” The creatures of this world are shown to learn things through experience, and a clear philosophy of love, empathy, and the mysteries of life connects each episode of the book. Pinky’s empathetic nature and his love for Quizzle lead him to find a new “me” identity without compromising his everyanimal abilities. Heyman’s black-and-white drawings with occasional colorful full-page illustrations ably decorate the narrative, which spans an entire year. Waterland’s prose features occasional cheeky rhymes, moments of humor, and detailed characterization—even of trees in the forest. No character is portrayed as completely evil; antagonists’ vulnerabilities are revealed, and foes often turn to friends.
A lighthearted book that blends magic with earthly themes and the loftier nature of all things.Pub Date: June 19, 2023
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 145
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: July 10, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
File under “laugh riot.”
A rogue spell-check program’s bid to transform all life-forms into that eminently useful office item, the paper clip, touches off a fresh round of lunar lunacy.
Predicated on the entirely reasonable premise that eliminating all spelling and grammar errors everywhere would logically lead to the necessity of exterminating carbon-based life in the universe, this third series entry combines high stakes with daffy banter and daring exploits. CheckMate—a chipper, jumped-up editing program—has invented the Transmogratron, a giant laser that will fulfill its ultimate goals in both the cyber world and “meatspace.” Facing challenges as random as prankster lunar unicorns and a disarmingly motherly Motherboard, scowling First Cat joins a motley crew of diversely carbon- and silicon-based allies, led by the pearlescent Queen of the Moon. They’re in a race to the finish—diverted occasionally by, for instance, a relentlessly punny comic-book interlude featuring a pair of literal and figurative Pool Sharks. They ultimately triumph thanks to teamwork and moxie. Following a celebratory party and toasts to “new friends…and steadfast comrades” (and, of course, “MEOW”), the story’s energetic, brightly colored panels close with a reveal of the next volume. (“I always hate it when comics end by announcing a sequel. SO CRINGE!” declares an authorial stand-in.) It can’t come too soon.
File under “laugh riot.” (Graphic science fiction. 8-11)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9780063315280
Page Count: 272
Publisher: HarperAlley
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2024
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With plenty left to be resolved, the next entry will be eagerly sought after.
Drake has been selected by the king to serve as a Dragon Master, quite a change for an 8-year-old farmer boy.
The dragons are a secret, and the reason King Roland has them is a mystery, but what is clear is that the Dragon Stone has identified Drake as one of the rare few children who have a special connection with dragons and the ability to serve as a trainer. Drake’s dragon is a long brown creature with, at first, no particular talents that Drake can identify. He calls the dragon Worm. It isn’t long before Drake begins to realize he has a very strong connection with Worm and can share what seem to be his dragon’s thoughts. After one of the other Dragon Masters decides to illicitly take the dragons outside, disaster strikes. The cave they are passing through collapses, blocking the passageway, and then Worm’s special talent becomes evident. The first of a new series of early chapter books, this entry is sure to attract fans. Brief chapters, large print, lots of action, attractive illustrations in every spread, including a maplike panorama, an enviable protagonist—who wouldn’t want to be a Dragon Master?—all combine to make an entertaining read.
With plenty left to be resolved, the next entry will be eagerly sought after. (Fantasy. 7-10)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-545-64624-6
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Branches/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2014
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