Using magic to help out a time traveler

“Charlie Bone and the Time Twister”

Jenny Nimmo

This is a magical book about a boy named Charlie Bone and his magically endowed friends. Each of them have a special power. Charlie and his friends meet Henry Yewbeam, a person thrown through time from 1916. Trouble follows Henry, and people are after him to harm him. He needs the help of Charlie and his friends. Can Charlie and his friends save Henry before it’s too late? Read the book to find out.

Reviewed by Megan, 9

William McKinley Elementary School

Burbank

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“The Tale of Despereaux”

Kate DiCamillo

“The Tale of Despereaux” is a tale of a small mouse named Despereaux. He was born as one of many mice living in a hole in the castle where the king and queen lived. Despereaux is a friendly and caring mouse, unlike some of the other mice who live with him. Despereaux was born unlike any of the other mice; he was small with very large ears and his behavior was very different than any mouse’s behavior. The other mice want to kill Despereaux because he is strangely different than any other mice. But that doesn’t stop him from having the miraculous adventures of his life.

Another main character in this story is a rat named Chiaroscuro, or Roscuro. Roscuro is a small-hearted rat from the dungeon who is born the same time as Despereaux. He is also very different than all the other rats. A human girl named Mig is another character in the story. She is raised by her grandfather, who lives out of the castle and treats her like a slave. Roscuro plans an evil plan to hurt the princess and tricks Mig into joining him. But once Despereaux finds out, he goes on to save the princess and have all his dreams come true. I really like the characters in this book, and I also like the exciting adventures they go on. I recommend that you read “The Tale of Despereaux.”

Reviewed by Danielle, 9

Brawerman Elementary School

West Los Angeles

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“The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor”

Stan and Jan Berenstain

This is a story about two bear cubs who had to get a check-up at the doctor. They were worried that it will hurt. Their parents reassured them. They went to the doctor, Dr. Grizzly, who turned out to be very friendly, and she did not hurt them. Brother and sister bear got their eyes, ears and noses checked, and they were perfectly healthy. But someone else wasn’t. You have to read the book to find out what happens!

Reviewed by Brandon, 7

Welby Way Magnet School

West Hills