The Golden Twine

Gr 5–8—Suri, also known as Mouse, works in a traveling fair in a tent called "Tales From the Monster Tamer." There she tells amazing stories about the land of Galatea, which is filled with magic and all kinds of monsters, including giants, dragons, and basilisks. But the monsters that are crucial to this story are the caitsith (catlike creatures that can impersonate humans, hiding everything but their tails) and the mysterious creature that is locked in one of the fair's caravans. Both Suri and readers learn that not all monsters are evil and that sometimes ordinary and magical items are not what they seem. The fun and fast-paced action is reflected in Rioux's artwork, which is clever and cartoony with a touch of manga style. The excellent cover, showing Suri in the forest and a monster reaching for her out of the darkness, lets readers know that they can expect a fantastic story with a hint of danger. The Golden Twine will appeal to reluctant readers who need an eye-catching book to grab their attention and to competent readers who appreciate a great fantasy story.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library