Clover Twig and the Perilous Path

Gr 3–6—In this follow-up to Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage (Roaring Brook, 2009), neat and sensible Clover Twig, child servant to kind but bumbling witch Mrs. Eckles, must navigate the Perilous Path with her friend Wilf in search of her missing brother, Herby. Mrs. Eckles's sinister sister, Mesmeranza, has concocted a plan to hold Herby hostage in exchange for The Bad Spell Book, which she intends to use for evil purposes. The Perilous Path is never what it seems, with dangers and temptations popping up at every turn. Along the way, Clover and Wilf join forces with Philip Tilden, a reject from the Clown College, and Petula Plodfoot, who has run away from the Young Ladies' Finishing Academy. The four adventurers must suffer their worst nightmares coming to life, as when a talking clown skull pulls Philip into murky waters. A lively cast of characters will keep readers mesmerized, including Mesmeranza's allergy-prone assistant, Miss Fly. Simple illustrations are sprinkled throughout; they give life to the quirky characters and tie their stories together. Fans of Roald Dahl should enjoy this novel for its kooky cast of misfits.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA