Dearest

Gr 7 Up—Friday takes center stage in this follow-up to the companion tales about the Woodcutter's daughters, Enchanted (2012)—in which Sunday kisses a frog—and Hero (2013, both Houghton Harcourt), featuring Saturday. Kontis continues to artfully interweave fairy-tale plots and nursery-rhyme references, as Friday (who is, true to form, loving and giving) sews patchwork outfits and tends to the refugee children in the kingdom of Arilland, now ruled by Sunday and ex-frog Rumbold. While investigating a tower, she almost falls into the sea, rescued from certain death by seven swans, who can return to their human forms only at night. One swan in particular, Tristan, captures her heart, and with the help of Rampion (an enchanted servant and sister to the swans) and others, Friday sets out to break the spell and save Arilland from destruction by the evil Mordant, Gana, and the Infidel. Readers will enjoy spotting storybook references from many sources (helpers named Wendy, John, and Michael; a town called Hammelyn). Magical adventure, occasional humor, and moments of gentle romance make this a good choice for younger to mid-teen readers. Enchanted, Hero, and now Dearest will be at home in most libraries, and with more sisters to tell their tales, the series looks sure to continue, which will please fans.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX