Nutmeg
Grade 1-3–Nutmeg is tired of her drab existence in her ramshackle house. Every day, she dines on unappetizing plates of cardboard, string, and sawdust with Uncle Nicodemus and Cousin Nesbit, and she longs for something different. While taking a walk, she stumbles upon an intriguing bottle at the edge of the creek and unleashes a Genie. He gives her a magic spoon, thus granting her three wishes–somethingdifferentfor breakfast, somethingdifferentfor lunch, and somethingdifferentfor supper. Not only does the spoon stir up a magnificent feast for Nutmeg and her relatives, but it also stirs up a world of change, transforming the house into a boat that splashes down onto a calm and peaceful sea. The family members unquestioningly take their posts aboard the ship and soon disembark on a pleasant green island, where they find a table set with a delectable breakfast. Back onboard, the girl reflects on what they might have for lunch. The stylized cartoon illustrations are a mix of spreads and separate panels. After the Genie appears, the palette changes from browns and grays to brighter blues, greens, and yellows. The turmoil that is portrayed as the spoon works its magic calls to mind the enchanted mops and buckets that run amok in Disney'sFantasia. Although this quirky adventure concludes rather abruptly, the art is eye-catching.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.