Life of Zarf: the Trouble With Weasels by Rob Harrell

Life of Zarf: the Trouble With Weasels by Rob Harrell was an entertaining adventure and the first of a new series that is sure to be very popular. This fractured fairy tale is one of the RICBA 2016 nominees. Readers will love the funny comicstrip style drawings that add to the story of Zarf, a troll who is at the bottom of the popularity scale in his school. When he has a run in with Prince Roquefort, Zarf is left with his two only friends Kevin (a pig, and descendent of "The Three Little Pigs") and Chester (a not-so-funny court jester). Zarf's problems multiply as the prince challenges him to a joust, Snuffweasels capture the king, and Zarf ends up behind bars in the dungeon. Read to find out if the hot-tempered troll can save himself and the kingdom, and prepare to laugh a lot along the way.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is Jonathan Auxier's first novel and it's a good one.  If you like fantasy books, as I'm sure you know I do, you'll like this one.  Honestly it took me a little while to get in to it.  I think I was grossed out by the beginning of the book, when it explains that Peter Nimble is blind, found as an infant floating on the sea with his eyeballs pecked out by a raven.  See what I mean, gross!  But there is a reason for everything in a book and in the end you'll understand the strange beginning.  This is an adventure story, Peter, a thief and orphan is sent on a quest to find someone who needs his help.   He must follow the clues left on a note that was placed in a bottle and sent adrift on the sea.  There is magic and mystery, danger and swashbuckling fight scenes, monsters and of course a maiden in distress.  Are you interested yet?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley

Bella at Midnight was written by Diane Stanley.  Bella's mother dies during her birth and her father, who is a knight, can not bear to even look at her.  Her aunt takes her to a loving blacksmith's family to be raised by them.  Thinking she is the daughter of a peasant, Bella is happy through her childhood and even becomes best friends with Prince Julian.  All of that changes on the day she is sent for by her cruel father to return to her rightful place as the daughter of a knight.  What will her new family be like?  Will she be happy, or will she miss Julian and the family who has raised her?  What dangers will she face to help the people she loves?

 

I have always loved stories set in the times of kings and queens.  Adventure, magic, romance and danger combine to make this a great story.  You will cheer Bella on as a strong female character, who fights against the path her life has taken.  Once you read this book, it should remind you of another famous story.  Do you know which one?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro