MEDIA

The Dastardly Deed

by Holly GRANT
(League of Beastly Dreadfuls: Bk. 2). 6 CDs. 7:26 hrs. Listening Library. 2016. $40. ISBN 9781101891704. digital download.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–6—Anastasia McCrumpet escapes evildoers by going into an underground land of caverns called Nowhere Special. She discovers that she's not just the daughter of a vacuum cleaner salesman but also a princess. Instead of reveling in gowns and sweets, Anastasia and her cohorts unravel mysteries. All the while, Anastasia dodges the verbal barbs of her cousin. In this wonderful romp with over-the-top characters and clever wordplay, Grant gives tweens a mystery with paranormal shape-shifting. Rosalyn Landor's narration enhances the zany plot, as she fully voices the ensemble cast, including Anastasia's personal guard bat, who speaks with a series of chirps and peeps. While Grant's imaginative fiction is full of fun, she blends in science about how stalactites are formed and the effect gravity has on flames.
VERDICT Perfect for young readers with vivid imaginations searching for humor and adventure. ["A series that is worth continuing (or starting)": SLJ 12/15 review of the Random book.]
Reviewed by C.A. Fehmel. St. Louis County Library, MO , May 01, 2016

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