His Royal Whiskers

October 2, 2017
Fantasy and fable intermingle in this whirling story set in the fictional Petrossian Empire, ruled by a bombastic czar with a “ceaseless appetite for conquering.” Disgusted that his six-year-old son, Alexander, lacks “bloodthirst” and “butchery” and instead has a “stubborn streak of kindness,” the czar turns apoplectic when he learns that his heir has morphed into a kitten. Two young palace residents—Pieter Abadabacus, a number-obsessed “mathemagician,” and Teresa Gust, a budding alchemist—are responsible for the transformation, after accidentally dousing the prince with a potion concocted for the czar. An ancient and kind sorceress plays a key role in the escalating battle between good and evil, which leads to a beheading and a visit to the afterlife that melds comedy and the macabre. Gayton (Hercufleas) spices his sprawling narrative with puns, invented words, fairy tale allusions, and tongue-in-cheek footnotes that make for funny and high-energy reading. Yet this fantasy remains firmly grounded in meaningful messages about identity, loyalty, and friendship. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Becky Bagnell, Lindsay Literary. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates.

October 1, 2017
Love conquers all, sort of, eventually, maybe, in this quirky fantasy that incorporates alchemical transformations, hidden identities, inventive wordplay, and terrible (mostly off-stage) violence and destruction.The multilayered story, which takes place in Petrossia, a vaguely medieval country with Russian overtones, follows a feisty girl named Teresa, a serf who works in the czar's kitchen, and Pieter, a young "mathemagician." Teresa is intrigued by alchemy and motivated by revenge. She believes that Pieter can help her learn--so she kidnaps him. Against all odds, this rash act is the unlikely start to a friendship that leads them through a multitude of dangers up to and including a quest to the land of the dead. Along the way British author Gayton sprinkles references to amusingly skewed traditional tales and to his own earlier work, The Adventures of Lettie Peppercorn (2016). Arch authorial asides explain the calendar of Petrossia, the makeup of the czar's war council, death, and other relevant topics. Readers with a taste for sly humor, grim events, and (literally) undying loyalty will gobble this up. Those who are attracted by the charming cover illustration of a cartoonish cat wearing a tiny crown, however, may be dismayed by the distinctly different direction taken by the narrative within.Complex and convoluted, this tale will repay close attention from fans of offbeat fantasy. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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November 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-In this creative fairy-tale adventure, an evil, selfish, bloodthirsty czar rules the land of Petrossia with an iron fist. His six-year-old son and only heir, Alexander, has been turned into a kitten. The czar's henchman inform him that it's all the fault of Alexander's two friends, Pieter and Teresa. Pieter is an Abadabacus, a master mathemagician employed by the czar. Teresa, described as a "Spice Monkey," is a servant who swings from ropes collecting ingredients for the kitchen staff. But Teresa isn't all that she seems. She's been dabbling in alchemy, and it will take her, Pieter, and a whole lot of magic to convince the czar to keep their heads attached to their bodies. Puns, wordplay, and footnotes keep readers on their toes. What is lacking in character development is made up with numerous plot twists and unpredictable outcomes. The cover art and black-and-white interior illustrations are a bit young for the intended audience, so this one might take some handselling. VERDICT Funny and a little bit creepy, this is a solid addition to any upper elementary or middle grade collection.-Mandy Laferriere, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX

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