Muncle Trogg and the Flying Donkey

Gr 3–5—In this return to Mount Grumble, Little Muncle really is a giant, but he is the size of a Smalling (human) and sits on a bracken-filled cushion so he can reach the dinner table. But he more than makes up for his lack of height with his gumption. Having saved his Smalling friend Emily from being roasted by the king, Muncle would probably be happy enough causing trouble with his brother, Gritt. When he realizes, however, that he has lost the king's special Book containing the Smalling spells, he worries that he will also lose his status as Wise Man. One of Muncle's duties is to educate Her Hugeness Princess Puglug, who is too posh to go to school, but Emily is the only girl he really cares about. When she finds the Book and gives it to him, she has some disturbing news about Mount Grumble; it is a volcano and just might erupt. Illustrations add drama and great expressions to the cast of characters. Written in bite-size chapters, this funny sequel involving a dragon and a Wonder Donkey is best understood after reading the scene-setting backstory of the first installment. Fans will be delighted, and reluctant readers engaged.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL