Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

December 12, 2011
Launching the Guardians series, a chapter book counterpart to Joyce's Guardians of Childhood picture book series, this beguiling clash of good vs. evil brings together several legendary figures, updated by Joyce. Key players include Ombric, a wizard who teaches the children of the village of Santoff Claussen how to make anything they imagine come true; Nicholas St. North, a reformed bandit who becomes Ombric's apprentice; Nightlight, a "spectral boy" who is guardian to Tsar Lunar, ruler of the moon; and Katherine, a brave foundling whose dream foreshadows what North will become: "a powerful figure of unending mirth, mystery, and magic, who lived in a city surrounded by snow." All join forces to defeat Pitch, the King of Nightmares (called "Boogeyman" by children), a mission that culminates in a dramatic battle in the Himalayas. With agility and flair, Joyce and Geringer build layer upon layer of fantasy and provide rich background information about the characters, while leaving much to readers' imaginationâand much still to be revealed. As in the narrative, shadow and light play enticing roles in Joyce's b&w illustrations. Ages 7â11. Agent: Michael Siegel & Associates.

Gerard Doyle's rich narration suspends time and disbelief as listeners enter the mythic world of Santoff Clausen, a land of dream. Doyle reads with the excitement of a child waiting for Christmas. He shepherds listeners into a wizard's sanctuary, a place where moonbeams bear important messages, and a protective oak and bear live. Nicholas St. North, a bandit who will become Santa Claus, turns from swords to magic to defeat Pitch, the evil King of Nightmares, who has sworn to turn every child's dreams dark. Doyle transforms fantastical creatures into convincing characters with performances that range from Pitch's chilling coldness to the wizard's calm kindness. Propelling young listeners through the nonstop action, Doyle captures St. North's acts of daring and enchanted quests. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine