by Barbara Else
Gecko, 2012. 295 pgs. Fantasy
Jasper Ludlow is an unremarkable young man, smallish, mousy brown hair, described by others as being ten years old and "apparently not very bright." Actually, Jasper is quite bright and is actually twelve years old, though his mother insists he is ten--has been for two years, in fact. When Lady Gall, the provisional monarch of Fontania decides to crown herself the true queen, things go terribly wrong for Jasper's family. For starters, Lady Gall tries to poison Jasper's little sister Sibilla. Then when the family flees the scene, Jasper accidentally gets left behind. Luckily he manages to get aboard The Traveling Restaurant, captained by Dr. Rocket and a younger woman in green boots named Polly. Jasper's adventures trying to find Sibilla and his parents, and to save everyone from the wicked potential queen are charming, original, and filled (as much as is possible) with forbidden magic. Jasper is one of the finest young men you will ever meet in the pages of a book, though he doesn't think much of himself, one of his many charms. Delightful reading for the 4-6 grade crowd.
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