Parents need to know that this exciting book has a rough edge that might trouble kids prone to nightmares. The first book in the series is tamer. Though this installment might be scary for younger children (among other things a cat is roasted and eaten, and a goblin's arm is bitten off by the griffin, though none of this is described), older elementary-aged children, especially reluctant readers, are going to be big fans.
Educational value:May be an especially good choice for reluctant readers who will appreciate the high adventure and quick pace.
Positive messages:Fast-paced adventure story in which siblings work together in dark, magical world.
Positive role models:When Simon is kidnapped by invisible goblins, his twin brother Jared and older sister Mallory set out to rescue him.
Violence & scariness:A goblin's arm is bitten off, and a cat is roasted and eaten, neither described. Simon's life is in danger, the children are threatened by a troll and the goblins.
You can't jump into this book without having read the first of the series. you won't understand it clearly. Great imagry, stunning drawings. A favorite in our house.
My son is now 9 and began reading the Spiderwick Chronicles when they were first published. He has now read all five. They are good independent reading for him - exciting, fantastic, about boys his own age - but much shorter than Harry Potter (which he also loves but can't read independently yet). Jared is a good character with realistic flaws. He is very angry about his parents' divorce, and he acts out at school, but he finds ways to be successful and discovers himself in the process. These books are also on tape - at least one is read by Mark Hamill, which thrilled my Star Wars fan. We listened after we read them.
It's all right I guess. The storytelling is decent, and the plot isn't bad, but it really doesn't break any new ground in the fantasy area. It's a good solid read, but only if there's nothing better lying around.