Mallory Loehr Reviews

Page One

Added May 1, 2003

The Magic Elements Quartet Book 2: Earth Magic

Author: Mallory Loehr
Publisher: Random House
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: November 1999
Genre: Middle Reader: Fantasy/Mythological
Format: Paperback
Price: $3.99
ISBN: 0-679-89218-4
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

While walking through the forest near their grandparents' house, siblings Polly and Sam trip over an odd-looking rock. Under the rock is a piece of parchment bearing instructions. Remembering their previous adventure involving magic and the elements, they are eager to start another. Unfortunately, this parchment doesn't promise wishes or the like; it asks them to baby-sit an Earth Child.

Polly and Sam rack their brains trying to figure out what an Earth Child is. Only after tripping over the same exact rock in a different spot, do they realize the rock is the Earth Child. Thoroughly excited, they waste no time in bringing the rock home. Under orders to keep the Child in sight at all times, they enlist their grandparents' help in bringing it inside and upstairs.

The next morning, the children awaken to find the rock missing. Frantic, they search everywhere and finally discover the rock outside. How did it get there? And how were they supposed to take care of something determined to get away?

Another magnificent tale by Mallory Loehr. Polly and Sam, with the help of their little cousin Audrey, learn valuable lessons as they embark on their latest adventure. Ms. Loehr brilliantly weaves Greek myths into their adventure, gently perking kids' interest in mythology. To me, the best part of Earth Magic was the unquestioning support and acceptance by the children's grandparents. One could almost believe at one time they had experienced a similar adventure.

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Added May 1, 2003

The Magic Elements Quartet Book 1: Water Wishes

Author: Mallory Loehr
Publisher: Random House
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 1999
Genre: Middle Reader: Fantasy/Mythological
Format: Paperback
Price: $3.99
ISBN: 0-679-89216-8
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

During their summer holiday at the beach, siblings Joe, Polly and Sam spot a bottle in the ocean. Positive it's magical, Polly and Sam try to retrieve it; only to lose sight of it when a giant wave knocks them over. They return to the shore and try hard to spot it, to no avail. Disappointed, they return to the house for the night.

The next morning, Sam and Polly find the exact same bottle in Joe's room. Angry that he rescued their bottle and didn't tell them, they plot to take it. Their plan a rousing success, they rush to the beach to open it. Within is a parchment promising them three wishes as long as they followed a few rules. The strangest of which stated the wishes only worked in the element noted. Not quite sure what that meant, Polly and Sam begin wishing carelessly.

What happens when the magic begins to work and Joe disappears? How will Polly and Sam rescue him?

Adventure, magic, and laughs abound in Water Wishes. Ms. Loehr deftly blends fantasy with reality, skillfully depicting sibling rivalry with an unforgettable journey. Joe, Polly and Sam come alive; their relationship with each other relatable and understandable.

While geared for middle-school readers, children of all ages will enjoy this tale. My three-year-old son loved listening to me read it aloud and even managed to sit still throughout the entire book. No small feat for one so young. *g* A wonderful compliment to Ms. Loehr's ability.

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This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

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