Magickeepers

April 1, 2011
Thirteen-year-old Nick Kirov has a sort of wizard's Bar Mitzvah in this, the third outing in the Magickeepers series. His desperate search for a fabled magical chalice that will save the life of his father, bespelled during an attack by the evil Shadowkeepers, takes the young visionary from the (sadly defunct) Liberace Museum's warehouse in his hometown Las Vegas to Stratford-on-Avon, then to a climactic showdown in a Russian ice cavern with the evil Rasputin. As in past episodes, the parade of historical figures continues in visions and flashbacks, because in its long history the life-giving chalice passed through the hands of such luminaries as Shakespeare, Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart. Nick's relentlessly entrepreneurial uncle Crazy Sergei puts in occasional appearances for comic relief, as well. By the end, Nick has (seemingly) vanquished Rasputin, saved his father, buried the dangerously intoxicating chalice in a deep hole and, and keeping with an unusually specific Prophecy, been elevated to Prince of the Magickeepers. "You," his uncle Theo informs him, "became a man." After its strong start in The Eternal Hourglass (2009), this series has been treading water, but fans may still be willing to take a dip. (Fantasy. 11-13)

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April 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 1-When Mama Duck's recalcitrant egg finally hatches, everyone finds the baby's sharp claws, large teeth, and swooshing tail a puzzling sight. Realizing he is different, the ugly duckling heads out into his prehistoric world. There, after trying to make friends with lizards, turtles, and other creatures, he comes upon Mother Tyrannosaurus rex, who welcomes him home. This unusual takeoff on a much-retold Andersen tale is hampered by overly exaggerated facial expressions and harsh colors. However, if read aloud, the dialogue and variant font styles (some in color) may give rise to vocal responses-especially from dinosaur enthusiasts. Of more interest may be the appended two-page author's note that includes scientific paintings and information about the dinosaurs, flora, and fauna mentioned in the story. However, young children will probably need adult interpretation to understand the back matter.-Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

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