Carnival Magic

March 15, 2018
Two visiting American children are kidnapped by a runaway British carnival in this middle-grade fantasy sequel.Fifth-grader Tess and her younger brother, Max, are spending another summer in England with Aunt Evie. After their previous experiences (The Castle in the Mist, 2017), the pair feel ready for anything--but when a seaside carnival magically whisks them away, they're not sure how they'll ever get back to Devon-by-the-Sea. This episodic tale, with its quaintly whimsical setting and omniscient narration occasionally slipping into lecture mode, reads as deliberately old-fashioned. Tess, however, is a thoroughly modern heroine: She's athletic, impulsive, and fearless, and her warm relationship with clever, nerdy Max charms convincingly. The siblings may be kind and brave, but they are also authentic children, avoiding the arch banter and grand heroics of current trends. All the characters seem default white and, despite their very different circumstances, vaguely upper-middle-class, with the notable exception of two very broadly drawn and accented Italians. While Tess, Max, and those they befriend face very real menaces, the stakes are kept small and personal. The fantastic elements are likewise low-key and intimate; they are more the stuff of daydreams--daring the flying trapeze!--and sparkling enchantments, never explained, just accepted as facets of the titular "carnival magic." The very short chapters create gentle suspense at a brisk pace, perfect for classroom read-alouds.For those who like their adventures comfortable and their wonders cozy. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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May 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-In this companion novel to Castle in the Mist, Tess and Max return to England to enjoy a seaside holiday with their aunt. Once again, magic is magnetically drawn to Tess as she and Max are transported to a seemingly alternate world during a trip to a traveling carnival. Trapped in this strange place, they meet several mysterious characters, including the Baranova twins, who perform in the aerial ballet and attempt to help Tess and Max escape back home. On the run from menacing carnival owner Lorenzo, Tess and Max slip through a mirror portal and discover the missing eldest Baranova. Placing friendship and loyalty above self-preservation, Tess and Max undertake a journey to reunite their new friends' family as well as their own. Ephron excels in creating an enchanted yet believable world in which both good and evil exist. The hazy, dreamlike atmosphere of the carnival provides cover for the enigmatic danger that surrounds it. Tess and Max experience the thrills of magic, but also learn it can be wielded to cause harm. Similar to the author's previous work, the setting is contemporary-yet the language and tone feel distinctly nostalgic. VERDICT This novel, which works as a standalone, will captivate readers who enjoy their whimsy with a dash of risk.-Sophie Kenney, Vernon Area Public Library District, IL

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