Elliot and the Pixie Plot

June 1, 2011

This second book in the Underworld Chronicles picks up where Elliot and the Goblin War (2010) left off.

As the melodramatic narrator might say, woe unto those who have not read the first title in the series, because they will often encounter characters or story references that they know little to nothing about. Elliot, King of the Brownies, struggles to balance working with hypercompetitive science-project partner Cami and hosting former nemesis Tubs Lawless, "his least favorite former bully" for a sleepover. All goes awry from the beginning, as Elliot is threatened by bumbling Harold the Shapeshifter and "totally" television-obsessed Pixie Fidget Spitfly to release Grissel the Goblin from Brownie jail. Nielsen cleverly keeps the action and humor flowing from one silly obstacle to the next as Elliot tries to meet the demands of the angry Pixies. This quickly addictive page-turner also entices readers with many sensory details, such as tenacious Gripping Mud, surprisingly tasty turnip juice and a tingly invisibility potion gone wrong. Along the journey to broker peace among the Pixies, Fairies and Brownies of the underworld, Elliot learns how to navigate some difficult relationships and appreciate the better qualities in unlikely allies.

Definitely a series to invest in for those who prefer their fantasy a bit light. (Fantasy. 9-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

November 1, 2011

Gr 3-5-All fifth-grader Elliot Penster thinks he has to worry about is the upcoming school science fair now that his involvement in the Goblin War is over, and he has been made King of the Brownies. But he is dragged back to the Underworld and into the middle of a potential fight between the Pixies and Fairies and given dangerous tasks to complete by both groups. These involve the evil Demon Kovol, his smelly socks, fearsome Shadow Men, hazardous gripping mud, and a Shapeshifter that wants to take his place in his family. Elliot completes his mission and even arranges peace between the two groups, but there is still the looming problem of an angry Kovol to be solved. This is a fast-moving, humorous fantasy with commentary from an omnipresent narrator. Buy it where Elliot and the Goblin War (Sourcebooks, 2010) is popular or for readers who enjoy their fantasy with a spoonful of silly names and a cheeky narrator. Many references to the previous book pop up so it should be read first.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.