The Magician's Elephant

Kate DiCamillo has created yet another wonderful fantasy book for you. This story is of Peter Augustus Duchene, a young orphan who lives with a senile old man who is determined to make a soldier of him. When a washed up magician mistakenly produces an elephant that falls on a noble woman of the town, he is imprisoned along with the elephant. Peter's life begins to tie in with the elephant when a fortune teller tells him an elephant will lead him to his sister, who has been gone since she was born. Secrets are discovered and Peter remains determined to reunite with her and get the lonely elephant back to its home. He needs the noble woman, the magician, and the help of a neighborhood policeman to accomplish that. It's a lot for a small boy to ask.

Any Which Wall

The author, Laurel Snyder, has introduced me to the world of "Common Magic" in this interesting science fiction book. As you travel with four friends to the cornfield on the outskirts of their small Iowa town, you'll find yourself wondering where they should wish for the wall to take them, and perhaps where you would ask it to take you. Don't get caught up in wishing for outrageous places, and be careful how you make the wish as well! These four friends find themselves among pirates, a queen, and outlaws. Several close calls and interference from outsiders may keep the clan from staying together or ever getting back to their cozy homes. Will they get back, or are they destined to stay in the musty castle or deserted island? Sometimes you have to figure out what is important and why before you can travel safely. Let me know which of these friends accomplished that, if any.