Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer-ADVISABLE


Colfer, Chris, Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. Pgs. 438. Little, Brown, 2012. $17.99. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG

Connor and Alex are twins, but when it comes to school, they’re like night and day. With their dad recently killed in a car accident, the two haven’t seen much of their mom, who is always working double shift at the hospital. On their birthday, their mom has to work, so she has their grandmother come in from out of town to help them celebrate their birthday. The book of stories she gives them, however, draws them into the book that seems to be linked to their father’s past.  Now stuck in an alternate world with no way to get out, the two find out about a wishing spell from a friendly frog. It’s a long shot with seven riddles to solve and seven items to retrieve, but to make matters worse the Evil Queen, Snow White’s stepmother, is after the same spell. Will the two get home and stop the queen before it’s too late?

Although the adventure drags in a few places, the story draws the reader easily into Connor and Alex’s world. The plot is well-developed and intriguing. The characters are likable and easy to sympathize with, even the Evil Queen. Readers who like fairy tales, adventure, and a bit of mystery will enjoy reading this book. EL. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

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