The Pictish Child: Tartan Magic, Book Two
Grade 3-6-Thirteen-year-old twins Jennifer and Peter and their little sister Molly, introduced in The Wizard's Map (Harcourt, 1999), are visiting their grandparents in modern-day Scotland when they once again find themselves in the midst of magical events. Their Gran, an affirmed witch, introduces them to a kindly coven ensconced at the soporific Eventide Home for the elderly. One of the witches gives Molly a talisman that leads the children to a Pictish girl, who is fleeing through time from violence in her own ninth century. With the help of the children and the coven, the time traveler is able to return home and prevent some of the bloodshed. The action-paced plot is nearly as winding as the rain-drenched stone lanes of Gran's ancient village, but the important twists are all resolved in the tale's conclusion. The story has a good dose of humor, often provided by an obnoxious talking dog left over from the siblings' first adventure. The novel stands alone but is more enjoyable when read after Wizard's Map, especially for insights into the characters and an appreciation for the occasional references to events in it. Both books will appeal to fans of Susan Cooper's The Boggart (McElderry, 1993).Beth Wright, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, VTCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.