Woundabout

Gr 3–6—After their parents' recent death, siblings Connor and Cordelia as well as Kip, their pet capybara, must leave their home to live with their Aunt Marigold. They know little about their aunt because she always lived so far away in a strange town called Woundabout. The children soon discover that Woundabout is a place ruled by the Mayor, a man who rejects questions, values routine above all else, and detests change. Connor and Cordelia are the only children in town, and though some people are happy to see them, many are distraught by their presence. They soon stumble upon a boy, not from the town, who informs them that he stole something of the Mayor's but has now lost it and needs their help. Connor and Cordelia find this missing item and discover that it does amazing things—whether the Mayor and Woundabout are ready for it or not. The setting takes some getting used to, as do the characters, who lack individual personalities apart from having unique interests and hobbies. Some secondary characters seem thrown in and do little to enrich the narrative. The story itself is original, and though the pacing starts out slowly, once invested, readers will speed through to the end. Black-and-white interior illustrations enhance the tale and add overall appeal. A generous font size and ample images may make this an option for some reluctant readers.