The Princess and the Snowbird

July 1, 2010
Gr 5–9—-wo very different young people cross paths and their lives are changed forever in this fantasy seemingly set during the Middle Ages. Liva has aur-magic, which enables her to change into any animal she wishes. She lives in a cave with her loving mother and father, a hound and a bear. Jens, on the other hand, has no magic. He lives in a village with a cruel and abusive father. Liva and Jens both share a love for animals, compassion for all living things, and genuine selflessness. They are drawn together by this commonality and by a common enemy. The Hunter believes that aur-magic lowers humans to the level of animals and wants to destroy all those who possess it. As events unfold, readers learn that both Liva and Jens have an even greater reason to pursue and stop the Hunter. The author skillfully combines adventure, magic, and romance, and her exquisite use of words draws readers into the story.—"Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2010
Grades 6-9 Pulling themes and even characters from The Princess and the Hound (2007) and The Princess and the Bear (2009), Harrison offers another satisfying, stand-alone fantasy, framed in folklore, that explores archetypal divisions between good and evil, life and death, and human and animal. Liva, the daughter of a hound and a bear, possesses strong, nurturing magic, including the ability to shape-shift into animal form. Young human Jens has no magical talent, but the characters potent attraction draws them into an epic quest to save humans from themselves. Once again, a strong female protagonist, romance, magical adventure, and provocative questions will capture teens.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)