Staff Picks

I picked up Splendors & Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz because it was a Newberry Honor Book and because the cover intrigued me. (I admit I do sometimes judge a book by its cover.)  It did not disappoint. 

The whole feel of the book is very Dickensian from the Victorian England setting to the poverty stricken state of the two orphaned children who serve as the main characters.  The plot keeps you moving along as you try and discover the mystery behind a kidnapping, and understand the secrets behind the evil magic that seeks to destroy the children. 

I loved the Cockney accent that several of the characters used.  The characters, both main and minor ones, are incredibly interesting.  Oh yeah, throw puppets in the mix and you get a dark, fascinating tale that is a fun read!

LeAnne Craig
Information Specialist-Youth Services