The Ogre of Oglefort

Gr 3—5—In post-World War II Britain, as their lands have been taken over by modern industry, hags, trolls, wizards, and other magical beings have been forced to move to the cities and find menial jobs. The one bright spot in an otherwise drab existence is the annual Summer Meeting of Unusual Creatures. The Hag of the Dribble, who runs a boardinghouse in the middle of London, is beside herself when her familiar, a tired old toad, won't go. Her young neighbor Ivo has an idea—he will serve as her familiar so she can attend the meeting and he can get away from the orphanage. The meeting at the luxury hotel starts off routinely enough, but the Norns—the three Fates—unexpectedly appear to announce that the summer task will be rescuing Princess Mirella from the terrifying Ogre of Oglefort, and the Hag and Ivo, along with their troll and wizard companions, find themselves charged with slaying him. Surprises are in store, though, including the fact that that the princess is there voluntarily to escape a planned marriage (she wants the ogre to turn her into a bird), and the ogre is suffering from severe depression. Adding to the complications, Mirella's parents send an army to rescue their daughter, and the Norns enlist the help of some bad-tempered ghosts when they feel that the Hag and her group are not moving quickly enough. Ibbotson's fans will find plenty to like with her signature quirky characters, twisty plot, and happy resolution that underscores the many forms friendship can take.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

A hag, troll, wizard, and orphan are told to slay an ogre who holds a princess captive. Turns out the princess is with the ogre by choice: she wants him to change her into a bird so she needn't marry a foolish prince. Ibbotson's playful humor, pungent turns of phrase, and sturdy friendliness toward her child heroes suffuse the fantasy.