Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

THE WOODEN PRINCE by John Bemis is the first book in the new OUT OF ABATON series exploring the adventures of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is an automa in this intriguing re-imagination of the beloved character. Pinocchio’s new master, Geppetto is trying to figure out how and why this unique automa is mysteriously transforming into a human body. After being kidnapped, Pinocchio must begin a journey across the Empire to find Geppetto again. Along the way he stumbles upon Princess Lazuli who is on a mission of her own. Together they must face half-beast outlaws and the emperor’s winged airmen to survive.

Librarians will find an audience among youth who enjoy fantasy adventures. Middle grade readers will enjoy the intersection of the traditional characters along with the new fantasy characters and steampunk world-building elements.

Many readers will be looking forward to the second book in the series titled LORD OF MONSTERS coming out in 2017.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.johnclaudebemis.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Mechanica

MECHANICA by Betsy Cornwell is a high-powered steampunk fairytale with a 21st century ending.

Loosely based on the Cinderella story, this engaging steampunk fairytale tells the classic story with a twist. Nicolette longs to invent special, ash-powered machines like her mother did, but magic is now illegal and her wicked stepmother and stepsisters keep her busy as a servant. There’s no fairy godmother, just a hint of magic and Nicolette’s unending passion to become a working inventor.

Cornell provides a refreshing twist on the classic tale. While the book has the potential to draw both fairy tale and steampunk fans, traditionalists may be disappointed by the switch ending. However, many youth (and adults alike) will cheer for the strong heroine’s decision.

With all the recent fairytale retellings, librarians have the opportunity for lots of interesting displays and promotions.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.betsycornwell.com/.

Published by Clarion on August 25, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: Jack: The True Story of Jack & the Beanstalk

JACK by Liesel Shurtliff is an imaginative retelling of the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk.

Like Rump, the first book in “the true story” collection, this fast-paced adventure brings the beloved tale alive for a modern audience. Set in the same fairy tale world as Rump, JACK tells the story of a farm boy whose father disappears into the world of giants. Jack must figure out a way to save his father as well as his kingdom.

This middle-grade fantasy is brimming with memorable dialogue and interesting characters. Shurtliff’s engaging writing style fills the pages with interesting vocabulary without overwhelming reluctant readers. Although the book lacks illustrations, youth will be drawn to the colorful book cover.

Both Rump and JACK will be popular in school library collections. Boys and girls alike will enjoy the extended versions of the classic tales. These books would work well in a literature circle environment featuring fairy tale retellings.

Librarians will have endless fun with Shurliff’s fairy tales. Pair them with the classic versions of these tales found in picture books. Involve youth in writing their own adapted versions of fairy tales. Be sure to include the many other fractured fairy tale books in the library for additional fun. Look for Shurliff’s Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood in Spring 2016.

To learn more about the author, go to http://lieslshurtliff.com/.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf and Random House Kids on April 14, 2015.