Cardcaptor Sakura - Winter Wonderland (Vol. 9)
The episodes that mark the end of the first season of this charming series have an ominous tone. Sakura is haunted by a recurring dream in which she confronts a mysterious long-haired woman atop Tokyo Tower: is it her math teacher, Ms. Mizuki? The relations between the characters shift and tensions grow: Sakura's older brother Toya clearly dislikes Shaoran Li, who is jealous of Sakura's friendship with Yuki. Sakura and Shaoran have to work together to defeat the increasingly powerful Clow Cards, and an attraction may be growing between them. The obstreperous Meilin, who clings to Shaoran as if he were magnetized, is jealous of Sakura. Kero worries about these developments, but he also realizes that as Sakura captures more of the enchanted Cards, he's regaining his magical powers--which he demonstrates inWonderful Christmas. Rated 13 Up, but appropriate for children three to four years younger.--Charles Solomon