Mirrormask [Hardcover]

Grade 6-9–Coraline fans too young for The Sandman series (DC Comics) form the most likely audience for this novella of the film MirrorMask. A fitful dream the night before her mothers surgery takes 15-year-old Helena to a world split into light and darkness. The queen of the White City is ill, and only the stolen MirrorMask can save her and her kingdom. As Helenas quest to find the Charm wears on, she realizes that she might not be dreaming after all. McKeans stark but lively pen-and-ink drawings perfectly reflect the narratives sinister humor. The images from the film, however, are drab and unclear. While entertaining, this scant story is less developed than Gaimans other work and, being a movie tie-in, threatens to join the growing pile of pop-culture ephemera all too soon.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

'This book is quite extraordinary. Extraordinary and scary. But also madly inventive and madly funny. It illustrates two things that it is quite crucial to remember for this age group: you are never, ever too old for picture books and that even when you can read quite fluently - which many at the top end of this age range will be able to do - a story shared is a story that doubles in pleasure.' Guardian 'This spectacular book, with its stylish blend of photography, paint, collage and drawing does not look like most children's picture books. It bypasses the cosy, simplified cliches of child appeal, which makes it absolutely intriguing for youngsters. It is atmospheric, sinister, scary and funny This is a book for cool kids who will grow up to be fearless.' Sunday Times one of the most stylish picture books for 5+ a strange, cathartic, visually original book about a scary prediction that comes true, and is also classy and cool.' Sunday Times Books of the Year Gaiman's words and McKean's pictures are a match made in some dark damp inspirational place. With gems like this and 'The Wolves in the Walls' the pair are extending the audience for picture books" Time Out --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Neil Gaiman was born in England but now lives in Minneapolis, in a big house of uncertain location where he grows exotic pumpkins and accumulates computers and cats. His previous novels are AMERICAN GODS, NEVERWHERE, STARDUST and GOOD OMENS, which he wrote with Terry Pratchett. His graphic novels include the award-winning SANDMAN series, MR PUNCH, and DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING. He has also written bestselling books for children including CORALINE and THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Young British television actress Stephanie Leonidas reprises her film role as Helena Campbell, the daughter of circus performers who is cast into a dark realm that is part ALICE IN WONDERLAND, part WIZARD OF OZ, and part Salvador Dali. In a moment of rebellion, Helena wishes her mother dead. Later that evening, her mother falls into a coma, and Helena soon falls into a bizarre fantasy world in which a Dark Queen tries to wipe out Helena's past and make her a Dark Princess. Leonidas reads with a rich, sweet voice but lacks the energy and emotional intensity of her on-screen performance. Still, her enticing accent coupled with Gaiman's off-kilter storytelling makes MIRRORMASK a delightful, if at times spooky, family audiobook. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.