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.

The Seventh Tower #2: Castle
by Garth Nix, Illustrated by Steve Rawlings

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.

The Snarth Goes Back to School
by Tessa Hert and Frank Sergi, Illustrated by Pietri Freeman

The Snarth Goes Back to School
by Tessa Hert and Frank Sergi, Illustrated by Pietri Freeman

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.

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Children's Book Reviews

The Seventh Tower #2: Castle by Garth Nix, Illustrated by Steve Rawlings

The Snarth Goes to School by Tessa Hert and Frank Sergi, Illustrated by Pietri Freeman