Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant partings, happy reunions in exciting volume.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Following the turbulent events of Book 3, Jax and his pals must leave Chicago and cross THE ENCHANTED BRIDGE, one of the few ways they can get to the world of magic after Sis, its dragon protector, closed all the portals connecting it to the human world. Or so she thought. Things are far from peaceful -- lot of magical beings aren't happy at not being able to travel between the worlds, and Sis' twin brother, a powerful dragon/magician who may or may not have gone over to the dark side, is wooing them to his cause. Against this backdrop, the kids and their magical-being partners are on a quest to find and rescue Jax's lost grandfather -- a quest that will soon involve dragons, phoenixes, fairies, and giant spiders as allies. And maybe get home again.
Is It Any Good?
Giant spiders, toothy piranhas, and farting baboons are just some of the surprises awaiting Jax and his pals in the world of magic, in Zetta Elliott's fourth volume in this exciting series. As the kids cross The Enchanted Bridge in their quest to rescue Jax's grandfather and reunite with friends from earlier installments, there's a lot of peril, and also a lot of heart brought to life in Cherise Harris' plentiful black-and-white illustrations. As a cosmic battle looms and the kids learn to use their emerging magical powers, there are relatably comic moments. Also poignant contemplation of life's changes, and the bonds of love and friendship that keep us connected.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like The Enchanted Bridge in which our world coexists with a magical one -- and characters have adventures going back and forth. Do you have any favorites? Do you think this is a fun theme?
If someone from a magical world were suddenly to land in your life and need your help, what would you do? What do you think they might need? How could you assist?
Portals to other worlds seem to crop up in the strangest places. Where would you put one, and where would it go?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cherise Harris
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 17, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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