Bruce Coville
genre: middle readers, fantasy
series: A Magic Shop Book, book 1
pages: 100
rating: ****
I was about to start reading Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, when I saw it was book 2 in a series. So, of course, I looked for book 1 and checked them both out. The Monster's Ring is book 1. I will be returning to my dragon books shortly, don't worry.
The Monster's Ring is about Russell Crannaker. A elementary student who is bullied by a bigger boy, smothered by his mother, and not listened to by his father. Poor kid. While escaping from the bully he wanders into a magic shop. The shopkeeper sells him a ring, he didn't know he needed. What follows is a tale of not following directions and learning to stand up to a bully, as well as standing up for that same bully. Of course Halloween, a full moon, and talking rats have a part to play.I loved this book. I loved that this boy stood up to a bully. I loved that he had compassion to want to help the bully out when he needed it, and I loved that he learned to fly. It's a fun, quick read. There are plenty of parts kids would love. Like turning in to a monster for the school Halloween party and pouncing at the principal, and the streaking scene at the end (pun intended, relax it's a clean book). This probably a boy book, but I have a feeling girls will like it as well. I plan on handing it to mine after I write this up. She'll love it.
So grab some spooky music and some candy corn and read The Monster's Ring . It's laugh out loud
funny, I promise.
-Caren
