Review: Jack Frost by William Joyce

JACK FROST

The End Becomes the Beginning

by William Joyce

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

384 pages

The Guardians' powers are given the ultimate test as they journey to the moon itself in this fifth and final chapter book adventure of an epic series from William Joyce.

The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.

But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they'll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand.

MY TIDBITS

Imagination, adventure and everything dreams are made of make this a fantastic tale to read again and again.

The Guardians have been able to keep the evil Pitch at bay, but not defeated him completely. Jack Frost is probably suffering more than the other Guardians as he tries to come to terms with his new identity as half-human and only half of what he once was, Nightlight. Still, the battle is not yet done as Pitch threatens with his plans again. To stop him, Jack and the Guardians head to the moon for the help of one more being. But the trip and defeating Pitch will not be an easy thing.

I did not read the other books in this series—a mistake. I would highly recommend reading this as a series.

What a fantastic tale! The author unleashes the world of fantasy in an exciting and vibrant tale. Every page offers something new, making it a read not easy to put down. The story twists and turns, not only with unexpected moments and characters, but even Jack incorporates a story within himself. Jack is a character to love and inspires. It's easy to root for him...along with the other Guardians...the whole way through.

The author has created a rich world, which is a treat to sink into. The characters have very distinct, fun personalities and give the story the perfect zest at the perfect time. There are sure to be a few favorites, and ones to hate as well. Mix this with the fantastical creatures, which really seem to stomp out of a dream, and it's a fantasy to fall in love with.

Illustrations dabble the pages and simply add to the excitement. I enjoyed simply flipping through and gazing at them. Not only do they help keep the read exciting even for more reluctant readers, but they add even more life to the story. But then, I'm an illustration fan.

Summed up, this is a great read and will make fantasy fans' hearts beat faster. 

And here he is...

William Joyce does a lot of stuff but children's books are his true bailiwick ( The Numberlys, Rolie Polie Olie, Dinosaur Bob, George Shrinks, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also his Academy Award-winning short film, to name a few). He lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Talk to William Joyce and look at upcoming work at @HeyBillJoyce on Twitter and Instagram.

Review: Santa Calls by William Joyce

SANTA CALLS

by William Joyce

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Picture Book/Holiday

40 pages

ages 4 and up

Art Atchinson Aimesworth -- inventor, crime fighter, and allaround whiz kid-journeys north with his sister, Esther, and his pal, Spaulding, by special invitation from Santa himself. But why did Santa call? Now available in a new hardcover edition, this truly Joyce-ian crusade features villains and swashbuckling adventure, concluding with a most spectacular and touching Christmas celebration.

A holiday extravaganza like no other, by the creator of Rolie Polie Olie, Snowie Rolie, Sleepy Time Olie, Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo, and George Shrinks.

MY TIDBITS

This isn't your cuddly, hot-chocolate-warmth, Santa tale, but rather a fast-paced, high-flying adventure with tons of wondrous Christmas magic around every bend.

Art is a boy in Texas, who is known for his adventurous spirit and talent in about everything. He has only one flaw, he likes to fight with his little sister. When the siblings and Art's best friend discover a mysterious box and find that Santa has called them to the North Pole, an action-filled adventure begins.

The tale begins with Art, a true Texas-crime fighting hero already as a boy. The description and illustrations of this tough, slightly arrogant, and very Western kid start the book off with a clash to the winter-world to come. And it grabs kids right away and jerks them to pay attention.

Slow is not a word to be found in these pages. The moment the kids get that box, it leads to a line of adventure which hits with explosion after explosion. There is mystery, thrills, magical wonder, edge-of-the-seat escapes, daring rescues, and, on top of it all, warmth. This is exactly the kind of Christmas story kids who love adventure and aren't ready to dive into snuggly emotions are going to enjoy. It makes a great read-aloud, especially for groups. However, I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers and see it more as a read for kids ages 5 to 7.

The illustrations have a very traditional feel, which wakes a nice sense of an old-fashioned Christmas. There are lovely details, and every scene brings across the emotions and adventure nicely. While lovely, the traditional style holds an interesting clash to the very fast paced and thrill-filled adventure the kids experience. It's a mixture which demands attention and works.

If you're looking for a different type of Christmas tale, which still holds on to a bit of traditional charm while packing in a fast-paced adventure to please action fans, this tale is it. Especially kids ages 5 to 7 are sure to stay attentive as this story is read-aloud to them, and they'll probably hit the playground and join in on similar adventures of their own imaginations.



All about. . .

William Joyce does a lot of stuff but children's books are his true bailiwick (The Numberlys, rolie Polie Olie, dinosaur bob, George Shrings, and the #1 New York bestselling The Fantastic flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also his Academy Award-winning short film, to name a few). He lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Talk to William Joyce and look at upcoming work at @HeyBillJoyce on Twitter and Instagram.