Avi Reviews

Added May 25, 2006

Strange Happenings

Author: Avi
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2006
Genre: Middle Reader: Fantasy/Paranormal
Format: Hardcover
Price: $15.00
ISBN: 0-15-205790-0
Author Email/Website: www.avi-writer.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Unusual and unique, these five tales of transformation are spellbinding! Each story is a quick glimpse into the mysterious as the veil between the natural and the supernatural world becomes temporarily transparent.

The creativity of these tales makes them compelling. Children and cats switch identities and an invisible queen looks for herself in a mirror. The original Old Scratch meets up with a cunning cobbler and a boy's crafty plan to reveal the team's baseball mascot ends up with an encounter of a different kind. A golden bird and a greedy boy close the book, while leaving the mouths of readers open in astonishment.

Short, fast-paced chapters keep these pages turning. A high level of interest is maintained, as each story features commanding characters in extraordinary situations. The theme of transformation ties the tales together with a string of surprises, and allows for a smooth transition between the separate experiences. A variety of emotions are expressed, from fear to amazement to delight, as these strange happenings enter into the marvelous realm of imagination. Moral values are also subtly woven into these words, giving young readers some things to ponder.

Yet, the best part about this book is that it's a lot of fun! Here is an opportunity to see what happens when people become something other than normal people. Reading these stories is like finding a treasure box filled with unusual jewels that will sparkle in the minds of young readers. Avi certainly knows how to put the wonder back into a child!

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