Children's Book Review

Penelope and Priscilla and the City of the Banished
by Jennifer Troulis
ISBN-10: 097686021X
Review by Heather Froeschl

Magical purposes, enchanted events, and a quest to overcome the darker side are all wrapped up in Jennifer Troulis’ latest book, “Penelope and Priscilla and the City of the Banished.” This work of fiction is a fantastical journey within for the characters, encouraging readers to think about their own selves and what they would do in certain situations.

It has been a year since Penelope and Priscilla moved into their home in Dunville and began to understand that they are members of another community as well – a community of gifted people in the ways of magic. The girls are learning to use their powers more and also learning who they are inside. One begins lessons in family togetherness and another starts to discover who she wants to be. The twins soon find out that they are destined to play a big role in protecting their magical world as well as that of the “ordinaries.” Along the way they are experiencing life in school and with their friends just as any thirteen-year-olds, dealing with popular and not so popular students, changing desires in clothing, and living in a small town. These two however, also have visits to make to enchanted cottages, underground caverns and magical bookstores that will delight readers and fulfill the imagination.

Troulis offers a look into the typical lives of young teens but also opens the door for the magic and mystery of spells, wishes that come true, and a delightful tale of good overcoming evil in many forms. Readers may wish to read the first in the series before embarking on this continued journey but it isn’t all that necessary. The story is still captivating and enchanting even if this is a first visit to the twins. The plot is wonderfully full of relevant teen-hood, while creating a feeling of purpose and determination to see a fitting ending. This book, and the series as a whole, is a delight.

Children's Book Review

The House with the Magic Cellar: Realm: I
by Antonio Garza
ISBN-10: 0595392911
Review by Heather Froeschl

What kid doesn't dream of finding a secret world where they can experience magical things? "The House with the Magic Cellar," by Antonio Garza tells such a tale.

Twelve-year-old Angela and thirteen-year-old Tony often play together. One day they find a trap door in the basement floor and are amazed to find that at the bottom of a ladder is an entrance into a magical world where they can train to be wizards. Time will cease to move on in their world while they are gone, so Mom doesn't have to worry. She won't even know! In this new realm, Tony and Angela are tutored by their guide, Peepo. He shows them how to collect crystal powers and spells and how to use them. Along the way, they encounter dangers...one of which is a dark wizard who had been transformed into a rattlesnake. In an act of courage, Tony makes a mortal enemy of this snake and the danger follows them throughout the book. Will they learn enough to make their mark when taking their exam at the end of this training session? Will they live to take the test?

I personally love books that attempt to inspire the way Harry Potter books do. Antonio Garza has a feel for that magic. I had a couple of plot issues with this book though. The story is without an end goal other than to learn enough to take a test. The evil wizard adds some drama but there could have been more interaction between the characters. This promises to happen in future books. Certainly, young readers will find the details of magic "goodies," like a crystal that makes you invisible, quite interesting, and the magical abilities and spells fascinating. I think though, that the author is focusing too much on presenting the feel of a magical realm (Which was well portrayed) and not enough on overall plot. Since this is the first in a series of books, it does make for a good introduction to the characters and realms. I look forward to reading more about Angela and Tony and their adventures.