by Michael Buckley (Author) Peter Ferguson (Illustrator)
For Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, the latest in a long line of fairy-tale detectives, there is one mystery they want to solve above all others: Who kidnapped their parents? Sabrina finds the secret hideaway of the Scarlet Hand, the sinister group of Everafters who are holding her parents captive, and she has a chance to rescue their mom and dad.
But her plan is foiled by the most famous fairy-tale character in the world. How can a human child defeat a magic one? With the help of her little sister (who is a lot tougher than Sabrina realizes) and a long-lost relative, Sabrina finds a powerful weapon . . . but discovers that magic comes at a high price.
"Quirky and reasonable characters, engaging writing, fresh fairy tale references, and a very real fantasy setting." --The Raleigh News and Observer, "Most Promising New Series"
"The twists and turns of the plot, the clever humor, and the behind-the-scenes glimpses of Everafters we think we know, will appeal to many readers." --Kliatt, starred review
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Gr 4-6-Sabrina Grimm, 11, and her 7-year-old sister, Daphne, are still on the trail of "The Scarlet Hand," which has kidnapped their parents. On the way to rescuing them, the sisters meet their likable Uncle Jake, whom they had never heard of before. Granny Relda had arranged for everyone in town to forget him after he inadvertently broke the spell that kept a deranged Little Red Riding Hood in the asylum. The book is loaded with cameos by fairy-tale characters, including Prince Charming as playboy turned sleazy politician. Although they will delight fairy-tale fans, some of the most interesting figures get short shrift. Puck, who combines magic with mischief in a way that both attracts and repels Sabrina, disappears from the action early on. Granny Relda's gentleman friend and every tale's wicked wolf is resurrected only at the end of the novel. Still, there is plenty of plucky Sabrina, nurturing Granny Relda, and Daphne. The end leaves plenty for the next book to resolve. Each chapter starts with a menacing silhouette, and black-and-white full-page illustrations add more macabre details. Recommend this to anyone who is craving a bit of dark humor rolled up with whimsy and adventure.
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.