_A Snicker of Magic_
by Natalie Lloyd
read by Cassandra Morris
Felicity Juniper Pickle has spent most of her twelve years on the road in the
van the family calls the Pickled Jalapeno, driving from one "new beginning" to
another with her mother Holly, her sister Frannie, and her dog Biscuit. This
time Mom's wandering foot takes them to the town in which Holly was
born--Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, once known as "A Magical Place to Live." Only
Midnight Gulch lost most of its magic a hundred years ago when the Brothers
Threadbare fought over a woman and took part in a magical duel, with the loser
doomed to wander the world ever after. Only it was hard to tell which of the
two brothers lost the duel, as neither truly came home again, neither Stone nor
Berry.
In her new school the teacher announces that to memorialize this horrible duel
the students are going to have their own Duel, actually a talent show. Against
her will, Felicity allows Jonah Pickett to encourage her to sign up for the
Duel, in which she will do her best to come up with poems to read to those who
come to see the show. But as she learns more of her ancestors, Stone and Berry
Weatherly, who used to perform music and magic under the name "The Brothers
Threadbare," she and Jonah find themselves seeking to break that ancient curse
to free the magic that now appears only in small snickers here and there
throughout town.
A very sweet book, and in more ways than one. Written for children, it is
easily appreciated by adults as well. Definitely one to encourage shy children
to move out of their comfort zones and to encourage interactions with others,
and with a definite positive tone throughout the whole piece.
Got this on sale from Audible--the Audible sales are so wonderful for finding
new books and genres I'd not think to spend my regular credits for!
Bonnie L. Sherrell
Teacher at Large
"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very
wise cannot see all ends." LOTR
"Don't go where I can't follow."
We gave the Goblin King control of our nation!
