The Castle Corona

September 17, 2007
colorfully adorned with intricate designs that loosely recall illuminated manuscripts, Newbery Medalist Creech's (Walk Two Moons
) protracted fairy tale traces how two orphaned peasants come to rub elbows with royalty. “Long ago and far away,” Pia and her younger brother, Enzio, discover a leather pouch marked with the king's seal. Before they can understand the meaning of the objects inside, the two children are whisked off to the Castle Corona to become “tasters” for a king fearful of being poisoned. There Pia and Enzio become acquainted with a spoiled princess and two young princes (one dreams of being a poet; the other wants to become a mighty warrior). As befits the genre, the author uses broader strokes than usual to define her characters. Members of the royal family are hopelessly out of touch with their subjects and busy themselves with tradition. Country folk and castle servants are more grounded and resourceful. Nonetheless, as royalty and peasant children intermingle inside the castle walls, perspectives broaden and the complexity of individual personalities comes to light. The playful tone and gentle criticism of aristocracy can be engaging, in much the same way that Creech's warmth and easy humor work well in her slice-of-life novels, but the fairy-tale genre raises expectations that go unmet. Readers may pine for a liberal sprinkling of magic and a more exciting climax before the conventional happily-ever-after ending. Ages 8-12.

October 1, 2007
colorfully adorned with intricate designs that loosely recall illuminated manuscripts, Newbery Medalist Creech's (Walk Two Moons ) protracted fairy tale traces how two orphaned peasants come to rub elbows with royalty. \x93Long ago and far away,\x94 Pia and her younger brother, Enzio, discover a leather pouch marked with the king's seal. Before they can understand the meaning of the objects inside, the two children are whisked off to the Castle Corona to become \x93tasters\x94 for a king fearful of being poisoned. There Pia and Enzio become acquainted with a spoiled princess and two young princes (one dreams of being a poet; the other wants to become a mighty warrior). As befits the genre, the author uses broader strokes than usual to define her characters. Members of the royal family are hopelessly out of touch with their subjects and busy themselves with tradition. Country folk and castle servants are more grounded and resourceful. Nonetheless, as royalty and peasant children intermingle inside the castle walls, perspectives broaden and the complexity of individual personalities comes to light. The playful tone and gentle criticism of aristocracy can be engaging, in much the same way that Creech's warmth and easy humor work well in her slice-of-life novels, but the fairy-tale genre raises expectations that go unmet. Readers may pine for a liberal sprinkling of magic and a more exciting climax before the conventional happily-ever-after ending. Ages 8-12.

January 28, 2008
Actress Wiltsie deftly narrates the Newbery Medalist's protracted fairy tale, which takes place in something like a medieval Italian kingdom. The story unfolds in short episodic chapters that follow two orphaned peasant children, Pia and Enzio, who discover a leather pouch marked with King Guido's seal. Before they can understand the meaning of the objects inside the pouch, they are whisked off to the Castle Corona to become “tasters” for the king, who is fearful of being poisoned. Wiltsie alternates effortlessly between narrator and the many different voices: outspoken Pia, arrogant Prince Vito, silly and spoiled Princess Fabrizia, aristocratic King Guido. The playful tone, the mystery of a thief's identity and the wide range of voices will give listeners several hours of enjoyment. Ages 8-12. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins/Cotler hardcover (Reviews, Sept. 17, 2007).