In a Glass Grimmly

Gr 5–8—This companion (2012) to A Tale Dark & Grimm (2010, both Dutton) follows Jill and her cousin Jack as they go through many adventures that will sound rather familiar to anyone who has read fairy tales. There are new twists on princesses who kiss frogs, beanstalks that reach to the sky, giants who live at the top of those beanstalks, mermaids who fish for little girls, and bewitching goblin markets selling treacherous goods. Jill and Jack are resourceful and clever, at least most of the time. Johnny Heller is obviously having a blast reading this book and his joy is infectious. Gidwitz often "breaks the fourth wall" (connects directly with the audience) in his writing, and Heller cheerfully employs this technique to further draw listeners in, while simultaneously using it to reassure, since this world can be very grim, indeed. His gruff yet friendly narrative tone morphs easily into the piping voices of tiny salamanders; the smooth pitches of a snake oil salesman; the cultured tones of royalty; and the dulcet, tempting songs of mermaids. Gidwitz writes about the darker, truer side of familiar stories (e.g., the frog does not get kissed and turned into a prince, he gets thrown into a wall and badly injured). Heller portrays this darkness with aplomb, and also easily voices the magic and joy of fairy tale worlds. A delightful audiobook.—Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT