The Quest for Queenie (Springboard Books)

Jill and Harry find a talking sword (Sigismund, or ``Siggy'') who says they've have been chosen for a quest involving an ogre and a dragon guarding a rescuee who--in the absence of a more suitable damsel (Jill is one of the rescuers, and Mom certainly isn't eligible)--proves to be Queenie, the family pooch. Off they go to ``Mandragora''; Harry carries Siggy, but Jill has the best ideas. The ogre isn't hard to divert with bubble gum; Queenie has made a bosom buddy of the dragon and is reluctant to come home; the greatest unpleasantness is a bit of teasing from their peers when they return, still in costume. As intended, this ``Springboard'' fantasy is feather light, though it does make an effort to counter reverse stereotypes (Jill does tae kwon do and enjoys wearing her damsel's gown). The action and repartee are predictable but amusing; full-page b&w drawings reflect the lively good humor. Acceptable additional fare. (Fiction/Young reader. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 2-5-- When Harry and his cousin Jill find a talking jeweled sword in the wreckage of a building, they set in motion the old patterns of fantasy: a quest to rescue a damsel, and the overcoming of three trials. But there are some twists. Harry can't let go of the sword, and he and Jill are transported to the land of Mandragora. The damsel turns out to be Harry's old dog, Queenie, kidnapped by the Bad Wizard. Jill's gum helps them through one trial; the children easily answer the requisite riddle of the second challenge; and the third is taken care of by Queenie, who befriends a fire-breathing dragon. Everyone is home in time for tea, and the sword flies off to its next adventure. This spoof, all plot and virtually no characterization, is aimed at a slightly younger age group than the usual readers of conventional high fantasy. Cartoonlike illustrations in loose black line suit the humorous, light tone of the story. --Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.