Children's Book Reviews
The Seventh Tower #2: Castle by Garth Nix, Illustrated by Steve Rawlings
Scholastic, 2000.Paperback, 224 pages
Ages 9-12
ISBN: 0439176832.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This second book in Garth Nix's fascinating
fantasy series, The Seventh Tower,
continues the adventures of Tal,
one of the Chosen who live in the Castle,
and Milla, a young Icecarl who longs to
be a Shieldmaiden. The Dark World in which
they live is shielded from the sun by a Veil,
which allows no light to pass through.
Tal, seeking to save his family, ended up outside
the Castle on the inhospitable ice where he met
the nomad Icecarls. Now he and Milla are on
a mission to get back to the Castle. Milla hopes to
bring back Sunstones to earn her right to be a
Shieldmaiden and Tal hopes to find Sunstones
to allow his ill mother to pass into Aenir to be
healed. But once they reach the Castle, new dangers
await them: from the Hall of Nightmares to the
political machinations of Lord Sushin. Tal and
Milla will need all their courage and skills (and some
help from Tal's eccentric great-uncle Ebbitt) in
order to survive.
Garth Nix has created a wonderful fantasy world with this series. The dark world, where light is the most valued commodity, is filled with magic, intrigue and adventure. The young boy Tal and his reluctant (and somewhat grumpy) companion Milla are an interesting pair and their journey is full of surprises. Garth has a great gift for characterization and pacing, and he has a sly sense of humor which always entertains. We can hardly wait for the next installment in this excellent series.
--Claire E. White
The Snarth Goes to School by Tessa Hert and Frank Sergi, Illustrated by Pietri Freeman
Brookfield Reader, 2000.Hardcover, 160 pages
Ages 4-8
ISBN: 096601720X.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Katrina Mann has the normal child's fears about
starting third grade. But she also has an unusual one:
her pet Snarth wants to go to school with her.
The Snarth is pink with yellow hair and a tendency
to speak out of turn. The Snarth is a big hit with the
kids and the teachers (he knows lots of historical
personages, having lived for several millennia).
But the cranky principal, Mr. Flatt, is not amused and
orders the despondent Snarth to leave the school grounds
forever. Until one day, when the Snarth is able to
find common ground with Mr. Flatt; they both admire
Abraham Lincoln and the idea of tolerance of all
kinds of people (and creatures).
Author Tessa Hart has actually known the Snarth since her childhood in Switzerland; he was her imaginary companion for many years. Now she and her husband Frank Sergi have brought the Snarth to life in this charming picture book, illustrated by Pietri Freeman. The illustrations are lively and spirited, and the story is full of fun, with a very important message about tolerance.
Return to the April 2001 issue of The IWJ.
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