The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop (Delacorte, 2013), 11-year-old-twins Lily and Oz and their best bud, Caydon, all three of whom have magical genes, find themselves in the middle of another wild adventure. Three witches are out to get a chocolate phoenix, which allows the eater to travel back in time. The most evil one, Alba, wants to change things in the present by tampering with the past, and Lily, Oz, and Caydon find themselves in London during the Great Fire as well as the Blitz of World War II. They must use their wits and powers to undo Alba's evil works. There is nonstop action as the kids find themselves in a new situation every few pages; this could prove dizzying to some readers. From dinosaurs to vampire bodyguards to singing, moving wallpaper, Saunders's imagination is out in full force. The story can stand by itself, yet reading the first book will stage the scene and provide context for characters such as the talking, pampered kitty, Demerara, and the cigar-smoking, talking rat, Spike.