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(4)
YA
Otherworld series.
After Simon's estranged best friend Kat is hospitalized for severe injuries, her mind is sent from her unresponsive body into the virtual reality game Otherworld, where Simon goes in search of her. He soon realizes the breathtaking fantasy world he'd previously visited for fun holds many dangerous secrets. Two-dimensional characters detract from the novel's timely warnings about technology's invasive potential in the not-too-distant future.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Karl Kwasny.
As the title suggests, this tongue-in-cheek handbook (companion to the Nightmares! trilogy) gives readers advice on how to conquer different kinds of nightmarish creatures encountered during sleep. Twenty-two sections illustrated in grayscale describe different "species," detail strengths and weaknesses, and offer tips and "fun facts." Occasional stories featuring familiar series characters confronting particular types of nightmares will entertain both established fans and new readers.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Karl Kwasny.
Charlie Laird is experiencing someone else's nightmare about sheep, which worries him; as does the reappearance of the Kessog twins, INK and ICK. It's up to Charlie and his friends to save the Waking World and the Netherworld in this entertaining third Nightmares! adventure. Occasional grayscale illustrations once again nicely reinforce the mix of creepiness and humor present throughout the trilogy.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Karl Kwasny.
This second Nightmares! book is unsettling, spooky, and silly. With the help of his herbalist stepmother and charming but annoying little brother, Charlie Laird must discover what is causing local folks to act like zombies. And it's up to him to restore balance in the dream realms. Both settings--small-town Cypress Creek and the nightmarish Netherworld--are well realized, as are Charlie's struggles to juggle friendship, family, and heroism.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Karl Kwasny.
In actor/debut novelist Segel and veteran writer Miller's imaginative fantasy, the same nightmare has haunted Charlie Laird since he moved into his new stepmother's purple mansion. He journeys to the Netherworld where he and his friends must defeat their nightmares in order to save our world. This trilogy-opener contains scary creatures (tempered by the cartoon illustrations) and plenty of action while also full of emotional resonance.