French, V. (2009). The Robe of Skulls: The First Tale from the Five Kingdoms. Somerset, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763643645
· Plot Summary
Poor Gracie Gillypot has been living with her tyrannical step-father, and deceptively beautiful step-sister (Foyce), since the death of her own mother. There is never enough money for food, and water soup has become the order of the day, everyday. When Lady Lamorna, the most horrible woman in the region decides she wants a dress designed of skulls and cobwebs, Gracie unwittingly becomes a pawn in her game of blackmail. "Assisted" by Lamorna's bat, Marlon, Gracie ends up working on the dress along with the Ancient Crones (Edna, Elsa, and Val) that Lamorna must find a way to pay. In an amusing twist, Marlon and Lamorna's minion, Gubble, both end up on Gracie's side, even as Foyce joins Lamorna's ranks. In the end, and unnoticed by Lady Lamorna, the dress is made...with many mistakes.
· Critical Evaluation
A wonderful comic romp, full of lively characters. Reminiscent of something Tim Burton might have created, and with enough plot twists to keep the most reluctant reader keen to see the next development.
· Reader’s Annotation
First in a series of five books, the Kingdom of Dreghorn being the setting for this novel. A good choice for a Halloween seasonal read, reluctant readers or those tweens that like things on the darker side.
· Information about the author
Vivian French began as an actress and storyteller, before turning to writing. She lives in Scotland, and has already written over forty books for children and tweens since her literary career began in 1990.
· Genre
Fiction, Fantasy
· Booktalking Ideas
Recommended books for Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton fans.
Witches, and other things that go bump in the night.
Comedy and its use for teaching moral lessons.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
After reading so many books this semester that were based on serious themes, I need something more lighthearted. With its black and red cover, and eye-catching eye title, this book jumped out at me. The second book is out, and I am looking forward to reading it as well.
