The Evil Elves (Moongobble and Me)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for younger readers
Review: Bruce Coville has once again written a story quite suitable for young fantasy fans. I read to my 5 and 6 year old sons and they always enjoy the magical follies of the less than competent magicians. The scary parts in the Moongobble series are not really scary, which is a plus, compared to Spiderwick where menacing goblins kill pets and dwarves, and some characters die. The very young boy, Edward, being the hero makes it all the more interesting for children. Also the language is much gentler than in Spiderwick. (...) As aways, the drawings added to the appeal as did the handsome production values with a volume sized perfectly for small readers' hands. After the happy ending there is a great picture with all the kids' favorite characters, plus the opening for additional books even after Moongobble has fulfilled his Mighty Tasks. May we hope for more, Mr. Coville?

Rating:
Summary: Exciting New Fantasy Series for Young Readers
Review: Moongobble, the wannabe wizard, has successfully completed two of his three Mighty Tasks needed to be admitted into the Society of Magicians, including collecting the Golden Acorns of Alcoona, and bottled the tears of the Weeping Werewolf. However, there is still one task left, and it's the most challenging yet. Moongobble must go deep into the Great Forest of Boodle to find the Queen's Belly Button, a magic stone that was stolen by a band of evil elves. To complete his task, Moongobble enlists the help of his friends, the Rusty Knight, Urk, Edward, Arfur, and Fireball the dragon. After all, the best way to get things done is with the help of your friends.

I have been a fan of Bruce Coville's books for years and years, and was ecstatic to see this adorable new series by him. Young readers will be thrilled to see that there is a wonderful new fantasy series on the market, geared perfectly towards their age group, and parents will be enthralled to find their children delving into a wonderful new, wholesome series that even they will find interesting. Overall, this is a wonderful new series that will be loved by all.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper