The ice gate of Spyre by Allan Jones

150 pgs.
Target audience: Middle Reader
Rating: Wizard

Trundle, a valiant hedgehog, teams up again with his friend, Esmerelda, Jack the minstrel, and a dopey ex-pirate named Ishmael to find the fourth legendary crown of power. According to legend they must head to the Ice Gate of Spyre. So they set off in their sky boat to the floating island of Spyre where they crash land into a tree full of vampire bats. After they narrowly escape exsanguination, the group discovers one of the legendary galleons assigned to deliver the crowns long ago. However the ship and crew was turned to stone before delivery was made. In order to get to the icy peak of Spyre for the crown, they must fight mobs of monastic llamas and enormous, ravenous, snow snakes. Snappy pirate dialogue, inane proclamations from Ishmael pepper this fantastic animal adventure. Kids will enjoy finding and following the many clues in the prophecies that guides the quest. Readers do not need to read the books in order, the author provides a short summary in the form of a prologue. (This book provided for review by Children's Lit - www.childrenslit.com)

The secret zoo by Bryan Chick

307 pgs.
Target audience: Ages 9-12
Rating: Wizard

The Clarksville zoo is not your normal everyday zoo, hidden in its bowels is a secret zoo protected by a secret society. During the day Noah, Megan, Richie and Ella attend the nearby Clarksville Elementary School while under the guise of volunteering at the zoo, they serve as Scouts for the secret society. The return of the shadowist, DeGraff, someone intent on a path of destruction with the help of his sasquatch army, has everyone high alert. DeGraff uses the shadows and fog to elude capture until Halloween night when he leads the Scouts and their new allies, the four teen Descenders, on a spine tingling chase through the secret zoo right into the middle of Clarksville Elementary. Here the children make their last stand  using their costume accessories to battle the sasquatches – a fake sword, an ink squirt pen and a special key. Their beloved animal friends, Blizzard the polar bear and Little Bighorn the rhino add their talent to the mix. DeGraff uses his shadow skills to escape leaving the school looking like a war zone.  The fourth installment in the Secret  Zoo series builds on the close friendship of the scouts and their bond with the wonderful animals of the secret  zoo. There’s plenty of mystery and clues to be followed. This is an action packed animal fantasy series sure to appeal to young readers. Recommend to fans of the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. (This book provided for review by children's lit - www.childrenslit.com)