Children's Book Reviews

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Father Fox's Christmas Rhymes by Clyde Watson, Pictures by Wendy Watson
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, October, 2003
Picture Book, 40 pages
ISBN: 0374375763
Ages 4-8
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

The original Father Fox's Pennyrhymes was a National Book Award Finalist. Its snappy rhymes and cheerful illustrations help make it a modern classic. Now, Father Fox has turned his hand to the Christmas season, with excellent results.

"Who is that knocking at the door? It's old Father Fox with surprises galore! Licorice & lollipops, lemons & limes A bundle of toys & a bag full of rhymes . . ."

The Fox family engages in classic Yuletide fun: making cider, playing in the snow, hiding presents and enjoying the company of family. The rhymes are joyful with a snappy rhythm and the illustrations are gorgeous. The large size of the book makes it perfect for story night; little ones are sure to sit spellbound as you read from this holiday treasure.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
The Chicken House, October, 2003
Hardcover, 534 pages
ISBN: 0439531640
Ages 9-12
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Inkheart
by Cornelia Funke

Meggie and her father Mo have led a somewhat vagabond existence, going from town to town as her father takes a new job repairing rare books. Meggie's mother disappeared long ago, and Mo refuses to talk about it. And although Meggie and Mo are surrounded by books, Mo will never read aloud to her. But when a mysterious character named Dustfinger shows up one day, Mo's secret is about to be revealed: he can "read" characters out of books into real life. When he read the book Inkheart, Mo accidentally read Meggie's mother into the story, and several villainous characters, especially the vile Capricorn, into real life. Now Capricorn and his gang are after Mo, for Capricorn intends to use Mo's talents to bring terror and darkness into our world. It will be up to Meggie, her great aunt Elinor, Mo and the actual author of Inkheart to find a way to stop Capricorn and bring Mo's mother back where she belongs.

Written originally in German, Inkheart was translated by the talented Anthea Bell who did a masterful job -- much better than the translation done of Cornelia Funke's first book, The Thief Lord. The "book within a book" theme is perfectly executed; Ms. Funke never descends into cuteness. Meggie's great aunt Elinor is especially well-developed. Her character develops quite nicely over the course of the book, whereas Meggie's father Mo can be quite irritatingly passive-aggressive. With humor, wit and an intriguing premise, the lengthy Inkheart is a winner.

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Children's Book Reviews

Father Fox's Christmas Rhymes by Clyde Watson, Pictures by Wendy Watson

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke