Fairy Tale Fans

Rodda, Emily (2008). The Key to Rondo. 342 pages. Grades 4-6.

If you enjoy books with fairy tale tie-ins, such as Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner, then this is a book for you!

Leo is given a family heirloom, a music box, which has magic powers. When his cousin, Mimi and her dog, arrive for a visit, she winds the music box four times and opens the door to a magical place called Rondo. The adventure begins when the magic is released. The Blue Queen kidnaps Mimi's dog, which causes Mimi and a reluctant Leo to follow her into Rondo. They must travel through this new place and encounter characters from well-known nursery rhymes and fairy tales in order to rescue Mimi's pet. This is an action-packed adventure with a fast paced story line.

Prequel to the "Tales of the Frog Princess"

Baker, E.D. (2007) The Salamander Spell. 248 pages. Grades 5-7.



Thirteen year old Grassina is a princess and the younger sister to Chartreuse, who is destined to become the Green Witch. Their mother, Queen Olivine, has been teaching Chartreuse the tools of the trade, but Chartreuse doesn't seem to have any magical ability. Tragedy strikes when a curse takes away Queen Olivine's powers as the Green Witch and the kingdom of Greater Greensward becomes at risk from werewolves and dragons. Will Chartreuse come into her magic or will Princess Grassina have to save the day?

King-Smith, Dick. The Nine Lives of Aristotle. 77 pages. (Gr. 1-3)

This is a great story for an independent reader or a read aloud about an adventurous kitten named Aristotle. His owner, Bella Donna, is a very kind witch and always rescues him when he gets into trouble. It is said that cats have nine lives and poor Aristotle goes through eight of them in this one book! Subtle illustrations accompany the text and make it easier for a younger child to read and enjoy. Do you have a more advanced reader? Try King-Smith's other chapter books about animals, such as Ace, the Very Important Pig or Harriet's Hare.

Landry, Leo. Fat Bat and Swoop. 64 pages. (Gr. 1-3)

In this early chapter book, two friends Fat Bat and Swoop, like to fly around and get into trouble. Sometimes they fly through the clothesline and scare their friend Emily because they look like ghosts! Find out if Emily thinks its funny or not.

Ludwig, Trudy. Just Kidding. 1 v. (Gr. 1-4)

This is a useful picture book for older kids and parents who want to know how to stop bullying or teasing. D.J. has a friend named Vince, who likes to tease him and then says "Just kidding." How can D.J. let him know that what he's doing is not funny and is hurting his feelings? There is a list of recommended readings for adults and children about bullying, as well as some websites and organization names.