by Lucy Campagnolo (Author) Richard Fairgray (Illustrator)
A group of friends must use their ingenuity to save a parallel world that can only be accessed through cardboard boxes in this series starter from Black Sand Beach author Richard Fairgray and Lucy Campagnolo. Perfect for readers ready to step up from Jelly.
When Mac, Masie, and Bird find mysterious tokens in their cereal boxes, they're transported to Cardboardia, a magical land made of paper and cardboard. In this parallel universe to ours, creativity thrives: Every time a box of anything is created in our world, a replica appears there, bringing residents art supplies, food, books, and more. But an evil presence is slowly moving in, threatening to wipe all art and beauty from this paper paradise. It's no mistake that the three friends have been transported through their cardboard portals. Each has a special talent they never knew existed. And only when they figure out to harness them together will they be able to stop the destruction.
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Gr 3-6--After discovering mysterious tokens, four young people find themselves pulled into a parallel world made of cardboard. The only way for Pokey, Mac, Masie, and Bird to enter this world is through a cardboard box, such as a paper recycling bin. Once there, they discover a creative mecca. But this world is threatened by the Grey Queen, and soon it is revealed that these youth were selected because of the magical gifts that they can harness together to save the kingdom of Cardboardia. The youth and their corresponding families are diverse racially and economically, with different family dynamics. The art is sketchy, featuring big-eyed characters. Fairgray uses different types of panels, with a colorful palette that changes between the worlds. Told in shifting perspectives, the story has an overly complicated beginning and ends in a cliff-hanger; still, readers who love tales of magical worlds will enjoy it. VERDICT This start to a new series will resonate with readers seeking fanciful stories that incorporate friendship, creativity, and problem-solving. --Nancy McKay, Byron P.L., IL
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