The Bag of Bones

Gr 4—6—The whole kingdom is buzzing with the news that Queen Bluebell is planning a ball to celebrate her 80th birthday and announce her heir to the throne in Vivian French's follow-up (2009) to The Robe of Skulls (2008, both Candlewick). The evil witch, Truda Hangnail, plots to become queen, using Deep Magic to shrink the kingdom's good witches and getting the rats to help her. Loobly, the sweet, rat-loving orphan, overhears her spells and tries to get some help. Meanwhile, Trueheart Gracie Gillypot senses that something is wrong and ventures out with Gubble the troll and Marlin the bat. Prince Marcus is happy to have an excuse to meet up with Gracie Gillypot and they get involved in stopping Truda's plot. After several close escapes, including imprisonment in an orphanage, the true heir to Queen Bluebell's throne is revealed and all the evil characters are punished. Renee Raudman's wonderful narration provides a great variety of unique voices, from Loobly's airy tone to Truda's raspy voice. There are plenty of mysterious spells, royalty, and valiant rats for listeners who appreciate a good fairy tale.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA