Ghost Writer by Michael Dahl
62 pgs.
Target audience: Ages 9-13
Rating: Wizard


Some books are dangerous, some books are deadly and then there are books that are mysteriously blank. On a quest to find the latest Simon Skull novel, young Josh finds a book with no content wrapped in plain brown paper with a return address for Simon Skull. While Josh eagerly rushes off to meet his idol, people are vanishing all over the city, people who touch one of Skull's blank books. Simon Skull is a little miffed at being so criticized for bad writing and is taking revenge on his less than adoring public. But the Librarian from the Library of Doom is on the case. It's his job to prevent these perilous tomes from falling into the wrong hands. Josh is rescued from becoming a phantom like Simon just in the nick of time. Special fonts, bolding, italics and text enhancements highlight certain vocabulary like a soundtrack does for a movie. The color illustrations are vibrant and add to the mystery. There is a complete glossary and biographical spotlights for the Librarians of Doom. This is a great first chapter book for kids who love a good mystery and a bit of fun spookiness.
(This book provided for review by children's lit www.childrenslit.com)

Invasion of the Appleheads by Annette and Gina Cascone
188 pgs.
Target audience: Ages 8-12
Rating: Wizard

When Katie's family moves to the sleepy town of Appleton, Katie and her brother Andy imagine endless days of boredom. They were very wrong. On the night before Halloween their parents take them to a haunted hayride at the local apple orchard where things get interesting but not in a good way. According to legend the orchard was once owned by a witch who used a potion to poison the apples and turned all the children into zombies. The ghouls and witches running the orchard are eerily realistic. Their parents, thinking they'd finally hit pay dirt with something cool for the kids, don't see what's really happening until it's too late. The kids discover that the witches are using the apple cider to turn the adults into appleheads and the kids into zombies. Katie and Andy must team together, use their wits and find a way to stop the invasion and save their parents and the town. Cascone offers up a roller coaster ride of spooky fun. There is no need for illustrations with such creepy and grotesquely detailed descriptions of the evil taking over the town. Though the parents are a bit clueless, this approach does allow for the children to solve the mystery unimpeded. The story ends abruptly with the hint of the next disaster looming allowing readers to imagine one their own what comes next. This book is part of the Deadtime Stories series, but each installment stands alone with unique characters.
(This book was provided for review by children's lit - www.childrenslit.com )

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
117 pgs
Age 7-11
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from back cover
"What would happe to a fairy if she lost her wings and could no longer fly? Flory, a young night fiary no taller than an acorn, is in just such a circumstance. What she discovers is that the world is very big and very, very dangerous. But Flory is fierce and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. If that means telling others wat to do, so be it. Skuggle, a squirrel ruled by his stomach, is an easy puppet. Flory soon finds, though, that not every creature is nearly as willing to bend to her demands."

This is a beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated tale of a night fairy who reluctantly becomes a day fairy to survive in the giant world she finds herself in. Flory enlists the help of a squirrel to access seed from a bird feeder, rescues a hummingbird and makes a deal with a spider. She is resourceful, brave, and genuine. As she becomes attuned with her own magic, she decides she likes being a day fairy and makes her home in the garden with her new friends. Schlitz skillfully explores the miniature fairy world and delivers a satisfying magical adventure.