Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books
by Barry Timms (Author) Laura Borio (Illustrator)
When a young boy named Henry steps into Griselda Snook's Halloween-themed bookstore, he's certain that he won't find a book that's just right for him--or will he?
When Henry finds a key on the sidewalk and gives it to its owner, he follows her into a huge bookstore. Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books, which features a vast array of Halloween-themed books and caters especially to Halloween characters, has books for every interest. Despite the variety in choices, Henry isn't convinced that he'll find anything for himself. Could a guest reader at the store, Magenta Screech, have the perfect book for Henry?
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2--"Imagine finding the key to the best day ever" opens this cheerful story of Halloween fun. Reluctant reader Henry's chance encounter with the whimsical, Dickensian-named Griselda Snook leads him to a marvelous bookstore where, alongside a bevy of monstrous guests including werewolves, mummies, and vampires, he discovers the magic of stories. Unfortunately, Timms himself does not succeed at tapping this vein of magic. While parents and teachers may be enticed by the surface trappings of Halloween, the book contains no particularly deep connection to the holiday. Borio's cheery cartoon illustrations, featuring mostly grayscale environments populated with bright oranges, purples, greens, and browns, sprinkle in seasonal decorations aplenty: bats, spiders, skulls, jack-o'-lanterns. However, save for a brief spooky story time with the delightfully extravagant grande dame Magenta Screech, the real essence of the tradition--eeriness, mischief, shivers of excitement--is missing. The Halloween setting could lift right out of the book and leave the story with its central theme of the power of reading perfectly intact. Moreover, the plot is thin, with problems solved immediately or brushed aside, little in the way of narrative stakes, and a pat conclusion. VERDICT While the message celebrating reading is commendable, the execution is unsatisfying.--Jonah Dragan
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Publishers Weekly
"I'm not really into books," says Timms's protagonist, Henry, but the boy changes his tune when by happenstance he's drafted as assistant to shop owner Griselda Snook, and helps out at her Halloween-themed bookstore. On its opening day, predominantly orange books tower in piles "like stalagmites" and cobwebs abound. Borio's peppy cartooned illustrations portray the bookshop as an inclusive gathering place for book lovers of all ages, where Frankenstein's monster can leave carrying a book entitled Dead Funny Jokes and storytime stars a famous witch. With Henry's help, the day proves magical by every measure--even turning Henry himself into a confirmed bibliophile. Griselda is right: "Pick the perfect book and the whole world opens wide!" Both Henry and Griselda have brown skin; background characters are shown with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 3-7. (July)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Barry grew up in Cornwall. He spent his early years mending pop-up books brought home from the library by his mom. Vast swathes of tape were involved. In the late 90s, Barry moved to London to study Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. By a twist of fate, he later secured an editorial job at Walker Books. He's been editing children's books ever since. More recently, Barry has been writing picture books of his own. He loves the knotty puzzle of structuring a story over so few pages. Even better is the rush of excitement when a solution occurs to hi, in the shower, or while walking the streets of South London. That's a feeling worth its weight in gold. Ged Adamson (Illustrator)
Ged was born in Liverpool and as a child he was obsessed with drawing, listening to music and making up tunes. In 2016, his story about a short-sighted dog, Douglas You Need Glasses! received rave reviews and became his breakthrough picture book. Ged has since written and illustrated many books including Shark Dog! and A Fox Found a Box. He lives in London with his partner Helen and their son Rex.
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters
Books and reading
Bookstores
Halloween
