Lawn Mower Magic

Gr 2–4—The Willow family has recently moved to a house in the country, and the four siblings are still adjusting to life away from their old neighborhood and not feeling at home. Derek misses his friends, and, when he receives an invitation to visit them for a week, he's excited. However, the family's lawn mower breaks and, because of their financial situation, he doesn't feel that he can ask his parents for money for a train ticket. As in Hamster Magic (Random, 2010), magic comes into play. When the children discover a rusty old lawn mower in the shed and Celia throws grass at it, it seems to come to life. The youngsters get more than they bargain for when it takes on a life of its own. This beginning chapter book is simple and appealing, and the camaraderie among the four siblings is a positive element. The black-and-white illustrations, some full page, enhance the humor.—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL