The Secret Kingdom

Gr 4—6—Charlie Bone returns to introduce the story of his magical ancestor, Timoken the Red King. Born under the cloud of his mother's overwhelming sense of foreboding, Timoken finds protection and magic in three gifts given to his mother by a mysterious forest jinni: the web of the last moon spider, a magic ring, and the Alixir of youth. The powerful web does protect him, but it also invites danger, setting in motion events that will define his life. Readers will be instantly drawn into the author's captivating and thrilling tale of magic and adventure. Timoken's story takes flight after his kingdom is destroyed by viridees, wicked sorcerers who want the moon spider's web. He's forced to travel the world in search of a "New Kingdom," but what readers will soon understand is that he is really searching for a home and all that it symbolizes. The protagonist is a kind and thoughtful hero who engenders respect and loyalty in those he meets. This is evidenced in his relationship with his camel, Gabar, and the ragtag group of children they rescue from slave traders. They, along with Timoken's sister, Zobayda, explore the meaning of friendship and family. And it is this recurring theme that drives the story. Charlie Bone fans can rest easy knowing that Nimmo does not disappoint as she spins her magical web in this well-paced and expertly crafted tale.—Mary Beth Rassulo, Ridgefield Library, CT