(3) 4-6 Thrones & Bones series. Illustrated by Justin Gerard. Continuing their quest to destroy the dragon-controlling Horn of Osius (Frostborn; Nightborn), farmboy Karn, half–frost giantess Thianna, and dark elf Desstra travel to Thianna's late mother's homeland and lead a rebellion against its two tyrannical queens. Maturing, endearing characters and gripping action combine for a thrilling, satisfying conclusion to this winning Nordic-fantasy trilogy. Game rules included. Timeline. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Thrones & Bones series. Illustrated by Justin Gerard. Farmboy-turned-hero Karn helps his friend, captured half–frost giantess Thianna, recover the dragon-controlling Horn of Osius. While dark elves seek the horn's power for evil, elf Desstra is unsure where her loyalties lie. As this Nordic fantasy world expands, old and new characters also mature, leaving readers with a satisfying resolution open for further adventures. Rules for a related board game included. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Thrones & Bones series. Illustrated by Justin Gerard. Karn prefers the board game Thrones and Bones to learning how to run his father's farm; half–frost giantess Thianna just wants to ignore her human heritage. After Karn's jealous uncle betrays him and Thianna is attacked by mysterious warriors, the two must work together to survive. This rich Nordic-fantasy series-opener comes alive with action, humor, and heart. Game rules included. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Justin Gerard. In this retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," twelve unicorns are chained up by day, but they escape at night to an enchanted world. A little girl befriends the smallest unicorn, and she uses her knowledge to set the unicorns free. The gaudy illustrations juxtapose blues and purples against shimmery gold tones to create magical nighttime scenes perfect for unicorn lovers.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Justin Gerard. An enigmatic Venetian shopkeeper entreats siblings Jared, Shireen, and Miranda to stop the theft of relics connected with three children kidnapped from an eight-hundred-year-old storybook. Familiar lessons about self-confidence and an abrupt resolution are offset by the compelling dual narrative, time-bending magic, and mystical allies. Black-and-white spot pencil illustrations help set the mood.

Reviewer: Russell Perry