The Parliament of Blood

November 15, 2008
When a young panda asks each of his parents for a kiss, they give him choices: "A soft kiss? / A sweet kiss? / A sticky bamboo treat kiss? " High or low, in the sun or the rain, from a bunny or a fish? In the end the young panda determines that "There are many kisses that will do! / But the best kiss is —from both of you! " A large font, rhythm and rhyme, picture clues and a low word count per page will help emergent readers succeed. Widdowson 's bright illustrations scatter Chinese elements throughout, adding international flair, and sprinkle other animals exchanging smooches for extra interest. A sweet treat to share with a beginning reader. (Early reader. 4-7)

(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

January 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-A sometimes campy and often gory tale of horror, set in Victorian England. Vampires have taken over many positions of power and have created their own parliament in the guise of a secret society called The Damnation Club. The time has come to wake the half of their population who lie dormant underground along with their leader, the Lord of the Undead, and take over the world. The only hope resides with the four people who face death (or undeath) at every turn. The story switches back and forth among the characters in different parts of London, making it a bit hard to follow, but alternating narratives keep the pace and suspense lively. A great many vampire myths and legends are addressed, which sometimes overwhelms the plot, but lovers of vampire lore will be enthralled. Richards walks a fine line between the horrific and the absurd, but this macabre tale will win students who clamor for all things vampire."Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2008
Grades 6-9 This sequel to The Death Collector (2006) features the same three young protagonists: George, 19, assistant to a British Museum curator of a department full of mysterious objects, including mummies; Liz, 18, would-be actress and daughter of a frail clergyman who abhors the theater; and young teen Eddie, a reformed street urchin now living with George, who functions as his surrogate father. This time their task is to thwart vampires who have infiltrated the government and aspire to overthrow the queen andinstall a mummified vampire in her place. Bloody details abound, including children who become zombies. Through it all runs a submerged but developing romance between George and Liz. The fast-paced plot sweeps readers along, and the gory details of life among the undead and political corruption will enthrall horror readers. Though set in Victorian England, this will appeal to readers of Darren Shans Cirque du Freak books. There is plenty of blood, gore, and action, and very little of the romance found in many current vampire books, such as Stephenie Meyers Twilight titles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)