by Suzanne Selfors
Recommended Ages: 10+
The tiny, economically depressed town of Buttonville is visited with a swarm of what the locals believe to be killer bees. But actually, they're sugar-crazed fairies on the loose from Dr. Woo's hospital. Meanwhile, the doc's nemesis, imaginary creature poacher Maximus Steele, is on his way, and it's time for the hospital to move again before local busybodies find out exactly what's going on. Also, someone called an exterminator. With all these signs of impending disaster, a lot rides on the creativity of tall tale teller Ben, the mischief-making expertise of Pearl and some plain sasquatch sense. But the only solution may mean an end to the two kids' all-too-brief summer of magical adventures.
Ben and Pearl are fun young heroes to follow. Their hijinks are hilarious. Their widely different personalities play off each other wonderfully. They both grow and overcome personal limits. And both of them, especially Ben, are bravely battling personal issues that will go right to the reader's heart. Their adventures with Dr. Woo and her anthropomorphic feline friend Mr. Tabby are loaded with magic, danger, puzzles and challenges. There is a healing aspect to these books, and a gentleness that I hope will rub off on many young readers – with catchy ethical concepts such as "every creature deserves veterinary care." And as always, the after-parts of the book about in teaching material that goes down easily, with creative writing prompts, what-would-you-do scenarios, and hints at where you can find the book's imaginary creatures elsewhere. I'm not just recommending these books. I'm giving them to my niece, and I hope she enjoys them at least us much as I did.
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