Children's books and book reviews - reading resource for kids, teachers, librarians, parents





*The Mystery of the Jubilee Emerald* by Gary Wassner, illustrated by Adam Gustavson - tweens/young readers book review

 
Also illustrated by Adam Gustavson:

Calico Dorsey
 
The Mystery of the Jubilee Emerald by Gary Wassner, illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Ages 9-12 Mondo Publishing 104 pages August 2006 Paperback    

Gary Wassner has authored four of five books in the fantasy series Gemquest. If you haven’t seen these books, check out the covers at online bookstores – the art is fantastic! Most recently, Gary has released a 104-page illustrated children’s book entitled The Mystery of The Jubilee Emerald, which will bring mystery and intrigue into families' backyards - and, perhaps, increase an interest in the history of their own homes.

The Mystery of the Jubilee Emerald opens with a scary preface telling of a family’s desperate escape, leaving readers to wonder who they were and what they were running from. The excellent beginning is followed up by a mystery that two young people in a small town solve just in time.

Confusing and astonishing the residents, an emotional stranger with bright red-hair and tiny ears rolls into Albert Cove. Far from being a stranger, he’s been there before - many times, but people just don’t remember him yet. Christopher and Erica are two young friends who love to discover things playing archeologist-like games in the backyard of Chris’s home - a place so rich in history that it is not unusual to find old arrowheads and other remnants of long-ago life on the land. Erica is gullible, ready to agree with anything Christopher says. Chris loves filling her head with silly tales, and she enjoys his family very much.

Before long, real adventure and mystery find them when they notice a man who seems to be sneaking about various places in town, including Christopher’s home. In school, the teacher discovers an unsolved mystery of an historic crime that took place on the very property Christopher’s family now owns.

Perfect for classes that are about to embark on local history projects, The Mystery of The Jubilee Emerald will appeal to children aged between 7 and 12. The black and white illustrations were certainly beneficial to the reading experience. Humorous situations, facial expressions, and background imagery combined with the text's large font create a wonderful effect.
   


click here to browse children's board book reviews
click here to browse children's picture book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young adult book reviews
click here to browse parenting book reviews
 
web reviews
  Lillian Brummet/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book  






For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews,
visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)