Fair Wind to Widdershins

Gr 3–5—Told in 10 chapters with intelligent language and lively dialogue, the magical adventures of hedgehogs Esmeralda and Trundle continue, along with a new companion, a squirrel named Jack Nimble the bard. Trundle, the reluctant finder of the first crown in Trundle's Quest (Greenwillow, 2011), would rather be back in Port Shiverstones tending his cabbages, but fast-talking, adventurous Esmeralda decides otherwise. After her stowaway escape from her pirate kidnappers, Esmeralda and Trundle come together again in search of the rest of the elemental crowns, which, when found, will unite the Sundered Lands. When Esmeralda meets up with her Aunt Millie and shows her the crown and key decorated with the coat of arms of the Kings of Widdershins, Millie reveals that a raven foretold Esmeralda and Trundle would be the finders of the crowns. But is Aunt Millie using magic to work for her niece, or against her? Esmeralda is a spirited and strong character described as crazy and brilliant by her friends, and readers will welcome her heroism and quick thinking. This series is sure to capture the imagination of children who will grow to enjoy The Hobbit and Erin Hunter's animal adventures. Chalk's intricately detailed black-and-white illustrations bring the magical animals to life.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL