I know, I know!  How is it I haven’t read any of The Magic Shop books?  And more, still call myself a middle grade writer?  Well, I missed them the first go round, and probably the second, but just think of them as a lovely dessert I was saving for last!  Today’s spotlight is The Monster’s Ring, by Bruce Coville which I peg as the ‘first’ in the series.

It’s the kind of book that’s a little hard to talk about without giving too much away, and yes I’m going to tip toe in case someone is even slower getting to these books than I was.  First off, I absolutely loved the Magic Shop–a place that simply reeks of mystery and has wonder curling up around your toes like a shag rug that’s suddenly so many tentacles.  It’s no wonder Russell’s life will never be quite the same!  But then again, why would he want it to be?  Sure he goes through some harrowing times (and almost gets himself permanently frozen in monster form) but he also lets off a lot of steam, scares a few folks witless, and sets right most the things askew in his world.  It’s almost enough to set you searching for your own Magic Shop. 😉

But let’s see what the kitty critique has to say.  You know how she turned her nose aside last week!

“Those insufferable talking rats think they’re so clever, all because they run errands for a magic shop owner.  How indredibly tedious!  And as for talking, any cat could if she condescended to try.  Aside from that, the book was tolerable.  I would have enjoyed watching the rowdy Halloween party in the school from a perch near the ceiling.  Humans are best viewed from above.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know, I think that’s high praise, coming from Apricot-Cat!  I’m certainly not going to let her stop me from reading the other Magic Shop books.  Have you read them?  And if so, which was your favorite?