Book Review of The Fabled Stables
The Children’s Book Review
The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp
Written by Jonathon Auxier
Illustrated by Olga Demidova
Ages 6-9 | 96 Pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | ISBN: 978-1-4197-4269
What to expect: Adventure, mythical creatures, friendship
Auggie has one amazing job! He feeds the Gargantula, takes care of a Hippopotamouse, and brings cake to the Long-Beaked Curmudgeon – and it’s not every day one meets a Long-Beaked Curmudgeon. Even the Yawning Abyss is on his list of creatures to care for in the Fabled Stables! And just like Auggie, every one of these creatures is totally unique and one-of-a-kind. It’s an exciting job for little Auggie – but also, a lonely one.
Auggie lives on a small island at the top of the world owned by an eccentric man named Professor Cake. There are other creatures there, too, like the “stick-in-mud” named Fen who would rather not be friends (surprise, surprise!). But he does help Auggie with his jobs around the farm, turning magically into whatever tool Auggie needs, albeit with a side of grumpiness to go along with it. Then there’s probably-used-to-be-a-pirate Miss Bundt with her fascinating tattoos. She’s kind, but not a friend for a little boy.
One day, the Fabled Stables lets out a small quake and reveals a new stable and a new creature on the island! It’s a Wisp, a kind of bunny that can change shapes in the light of the moon! Auggie dashes off to find the Wisp and bring it home, but they are caught by hunters demanding treasure. Will Auggie be able to use his unique cleverness to save them both? And in the end, will he ever finally make a real friend to cure his loneliness?
With extremely clever characters and a gently exciting storyline, The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp is an exciting book for grade-school readers. Adults will enjoy reading the book aloud to children and explaining the naming puns (adorable!) and kids will enjoy the pictures and exploits of Auggie and the fabulous mythical animals. A great book the whole family will enjoy at bedtime!
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About the Author
Jonathan Auxier writes strange stories for strange children–including PETER NIMBLE & HIS FANTASTIC EYES and THE NIGHT GARDENER. Raised in Canada, Jonathan now lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and family.
Find out more by visiting www.TheScop.com, where he blogs about children’s books old and new.
The Fabled Stables, Willa The Wisp, written by Jonathan Auxier and Illustrated by Olga Demidova, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like The Fabled Stables, Willa The Wisp by following our reviews and articles tagged with adventure, mythical creatures, and friendship.