Autumn's Secret Gift

Gr 1–3—Autumn and her wide-eyed Sparkle sisters—Spring, Summer, and Winter—live in Mother Nature's realm. They are responsible for the magical turn of the seasons for the Outworlders, or humans, who have no idea the Sparkles exist. When not keeping nature in balance, the sisters play in their enchanted world, often crossing paths with Bluster Tempest and the Weeds, wild boys who love chaos and causing trouble for the sisters. This new series, created by The Jim Henson Company and aimed at newly independent chapter book readers, launches with Autumn's Secret Gift,in which Autumn's responsible temperament is put to the test when she loses a special gift given to her by Mother Nature. Working together, the girls must retrieve Autumn's gift quickly. Readers of Daisy Meadow's "Rainbow Magic" books will love this fast-paced adventure intermingled with devoted animals, transporting rainbows, and black-and-white illustrations. The sisters are diverse in skin color, interests, and magical abilities, and while the story seems predictable, the many circumstances in which the girls find themselves are bound to appeal to readers who wish for a little magic in their own lives.—Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN