Explosive Tales for Children

A deliciously subversive vein runs through this story collectionânot surprising coming from the coauthor of The Dangerous Book for Boys. The protagonist, Sparkler, is a tiny winged creature called a "tollin," which should not be confused with a fairy ("Tollins regard fairies as fluttery show-offs and occasionally use them to wipe out the insides of cups"). Indeed, fairies are a running joke in all three stories in this collection, in which Sparkler's scientific curiosity shakes up stagnant tollin culture. In one tale, Sparkler's ingenuity saves the tollins from being used in fireworks for their combustible "tollin dust." In another, he introduces human medicine, "a sensitive subject. Grunion's father had cured his son's athlete's foot by removing the foot. Grunion senior had also recommended it as a cure for ingrown toenails, tennis elbow and dandruff." Iggulden's flair for the ironic and absurd, which recalls Lemony Snicket, should tickle both kids and adults, who will pick up some basic science concepts, such as how hot air balloons and pumps work. Debuting illustrator Duncan is no lesser a comic talent, composing funny scenes using a seamless blend of illustration and photography. All ages.

February 1, 2010
Gr 2-4-In three stories, each divided into short chapters, Iggulden introduces Tollins, winged creatures that resemble fairies but are bigger and tougher, and live at the bottom of people's gardens. Humans can't see them without special blue glasses. Each tale features Sparkler, a Tollin of "great promise and wondrous brain," whose curiosity prompts him to learn from human books and enables him to solve his community's problems. When, in "How to Blow Up Tollins," workers at the local fireworks factory discover that using Tollins as rocket ammunition produces a shower of blue sparks and begin collecting them in jars, Sparkler devises an alternate fuel that generates similar results. Next, he faces execution for consorting with humans but entices the High Tollin to spare him by offering a cure for the leader's gout. Finally, Sparkler saves the Tollins' tunnels from flooding and his people from becoming the slaves of their dark molelike cousins from Dorset. In an attempt at humor, the writing is sometimes a bit over-the-top, as when guards train with a manual called "A Rough Guide to Guarding," and it may be difficult to root for the freedom of Tollins who use fairies "to wipe out the insides of cups" or blow their noses. But the humorous full-page illustrations that open each chapter, the maps, and the many vignettes throughout bring these creatures to life, and with several clever videos on YouTube and a savethetollins.com Web site, they are sure to have many followers."Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2010
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* Iggulden follows the breakaway success of his nonfiction guide to restoring adventure to overprotected kids (The Dangerous Book for Boys, 2007) with another wickedly funny and ingenious read. This time, he creates an intricate fictional world in which the tiny SparklerPeter Panlike in his mischief, Ulysses-esque in his cunningholds together three separate stories. Tollins are tiny, nectar-eating woodland creatures with elf ears and wings but bigger than the fairies they casually use as handkerchiefs. They enjoy an idyllic existence until a fireworks factory is built in the village of Chorleywood. One of the Tollins falls into a rocket, producing the most bang for the buck ever witnessed, and the men of the village hunt the Tollins down to use as fodder for their fireworks. Parts 2 and 3 continue Sparklers perils and escapes from prison, execution, and a runaway hot-air balloon. Sparkler is a self-made scientistits great fun to see him using applied chemistry for fireworks, finding herbs for medicine, and discovering the first steam engine. Duncans full-color illustrations and maps bring the world to witty life. A note at the end likens the Tollins fate to child labor during the Industrial Revolution. There is much to think about and love in this beautifully realized world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)