(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. In the last two legs of their quest for the six Badger Crowns, hedgehogs Trundle and Esmeralda find themselves staging an opera along their journey (Sargasso) and seeking a hidden island while evading pirates (Full Circle). These late installments deliver a sparkly and satisfying conclusion, though some recurring illogic would make them a confusing entry point. Black-and-white illustrations underscore the almost-steampunk feel. Review covers these Six Crowns titles: Full Circle and Sargasso Skies.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. In the last two legs of their quest for the six Badger Crowns, hedgehogs Trundle and Esmeralda find themselves staging an opera along their journey (Sargasso) and seeking a hidden island while evading pirates (Full Circle). These late installments deliver a sparkly and satisfying conclusion, though some recurring illogic would make them a confusing entry point. Black-and-white illustrations underscore the almost-steampunk feel. Review covers these Six Crowns titles: Full Circle and Sargasso Skies.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. In the third installment of the quick-paced series, hedgehogs Trundle and Esmeralda continue to flee from evil Captain Grizzletusk while seeking the next crown in their quest. This time they work to wake up a sleepy phoenix in an attempt to find the Crown of Fire. Exaggerated characters are sometimes more annoying than humorous.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. In this fourth fast-paced, lighthearted adventure, hedgehog Trundle, his companion Esmeralda, and their cohorts--including a new addition, loopy hare Ishmael--find themselves on the extraordinary island of Spyre, besting myriad animal foes in search of the Crown of Ice. The characterizations are over the top, but this sometimes illogical gallop contains lots of action and humor, as well as a nice twist.

Reviewer: Betsy Thomas

(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. Ambushed by Princess Esmeralda, Trundle the Lamplighter finds himself drawn into a whirlwind of adventure. Esmeralda is convinced that Trundle must help fulfill an ancient prophecy, so off the two hedgehogs go, fighting pirates, rescuing slaves, and stowing away on ships that sail through space. The action is jam-packed, but the the story's logic doesn't always keep up.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Six Crowns series. Illustrated by Gary Chalk. Unlikely hedgehog hero Trundle (Trundle's Quest) and his dramatic but brave companion Esmeralda continue their efforts to find the legendary Six Crowns. As they attempt to locate Aunt Millie for clues and for help, they must escape the pursuit of evil pirates. The story has plenty of adventure but lacks enough detail for readers to fully buy into the fantasy world.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang