Recommended Ages: 8 and up
Looking for a series to kick off your new year? May I suggest to you the Wingfeather Saga. A four-volume fantasy series that starts off by meeting three adventurous siblings living in a world that is held hostage under the lizard-like monsters called the Fangs and the rule of Gnag the Nameless. Janner Igiby, the oldest, longs for a life outside of the small town. He is brave, loves books and is tasked with the difficult role of protecting his younger siblings. Kalmar, known as Tink, is full of spirit and always hungry. Ready to race or battle whenever he can, if he doesn’t find trouble, it finds him. Then there’s my favorite, Leeli, the youngest who is kind-hearted and brave. She can tame any dog big or small and can calm an oncoming storm (or sea of dragons) with her music.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, the first book, the Igiby children face off with a gang of Fangs while learning about who they are. It’s a story with heart and spirit that stretches your imagination with its quirky and clever writing, perfect for lovers of Lewis Carroll, Catherynne M. Valente, Lewis or Tolkien. Andrew Peterson takes you into his created world with great detail and illustrations that will capture the heart of children and adults alike. The book has several footnotes throughout, and you would do yourself a great disservice if you didn’t read them. They add to the story by providing depth in the world, and providing the reader with great humor.
As a personal lover of fantasy fiction, I haven’t found myself so captivated by a series like this in a long time. So, if you or your kids are in the mood to curl up and let your mind travel to another world while reading be sure to check out this saga from your local library. You can use New York Public Library’s app called SimplyE to reserve a copy of the ebook or audiobook (which is read by the author himself).
Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.
