The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3) [Hardcover]

I really enjoy this series! I think the main characters, particularly Nathaniel, provide very good role models for young readers. Nathaniel has real character flaws -- can be a little bit whiny, is scared of certain situations but shows courage and critical thinking when needed -- which I think makes him more tangible to readers. I like how there is an emphasis on protecting animals but also respecting their natures and that the bestiary book is seen as a valuable reference to be protected, as I feel books should be!

My main grief with this book, the whole series really, is that I think it is too short! With this book in particular the scenes shift pretty quickly and I feel that there could definitely be a bit more time spent developing all aspects of the story. I appreciate that these books are intended for young readers but I think there is an assumption that the story needs to be short and constantly moving to keep their attention; I don't agree with this as I think the story is good enough to keep a younger reader's attention. Also, with the time that is lapsing between writing and publication of these books the original audience is growing and developing and would most certainly be capable of handling something a little more substantive.

All in all, I would heartily recommend this series to anyone with young readers or for a quality story to share at bed time that will keep both young listeners and adult readers engaged and entertained.

In which we meet (again) Nathaniel, some various odd beasties, and his equally odd aunt, Phil.

This is a light hearted and easy to read series of older children's fantasy. Nathanial is a mere 10 years old, but is already in training as a "Beastologist"- one who tracks down- but then protects- odd and strange mythological creatures. "Protecting" also includes protecting the public from the usually misunderstood "monsters".

Lots of fun little illustrations add to your reading pleasure.

The author also doesn't talk down to his readers (there's even a glossary). On the other hand, this book is pretty safe for all ages, except maybe the very youngest who are prone to nightmares- but the book isn't very scary at all.

Mind you, at a mere 160 pages, this is no Harry Potter. I'd say it's brevity is the series one drawback, but some may consider it a advantage, so I take away no points for that.

Suggested reading: "Half Magic", Edward Eager.
"House with a Clock in it's Walls" (The Lewis Barnavelt series), John Bellairs
"Dark is Rising" series, by Susan Cooper.

This author may be best known for her Theodosia Throckmorton books, but I'm beginning to take quite a shine to her series for younger readers, Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist. More than anything, it's great to see a solid new fantasy series for the second grade crowd.

The first two books in this series are The Flight of the Phoenix and The Basilisk's Lair. Nathaniel Fludd is the son of famous explorers who have disappeared and are presumed dead. His new guardian, Aunt Phil, is so intrepid that her expectations for Nathaniel often fill his timid heart with fear. But somehow, he manages to survive the adventures he's thrown into, especially once he learns that his family is responsible for studying and preserving the world's great mythical beasts. (Nice environmental protection theme there!)

Unfortunately, someone is working against Nathaniel and his aunt, a greedy man from an outcast branch of the Fludd family who also seems to be searching for the mythical creatures, but for nefarious purposes. As The Wyverns' Treasure begins, Nate and Aunt Phil return from their latest adventure, only to discover that their house has been ransacked. Next they receive word from Wales. The wyverns, a kind of dragon, have been living quietly in hiding on the basis of a covenant made with human guardians, but now they're rising up in anger, threatening to fly out and terrorize the countryside. It sounds like that horrid Fludd cousin Obadiah might be causing this new trouble, too. So Aunt Phil and Nate set off again, hoping to calm the wyverns and catch the culprit.

One thing I like about this series is how the author very solemnly presents us with zoological information about the beast in each book. She uses existing information drawn from myths and legends, then builds on it logically, adding further details. For example, Aunt Phil gives Nate a handful of new pennies and tells him to use them to distract the younger wyverns, who like shiny things and are too young to know that they shouldn't take a bite out of a human found wandering through the caverns where they live.

Aunt Phil's near-foolhardy nature makes a nice contrast to Nathaniel's nervousness. It doesn't take a close read to see Indiana Jones in Aunt Phil, especially since these stories are also set in the 1930s. Nate is a kind, appealing boy who keeps trying despite his fears. One of LaFevers' most entertaining characters is Greasle, a gremlin (borrowed from slightly more modern lore, i.e., a famous Twilight Zone episode). Greasle lives on planes, eating oil and spare parts--or sometimes not-so-spare parts. She becomes Nate's sidekick, though Aunt Phil keeps threatening to get rid of her.

This series offers fun, adventurous fantasy for younger readers, with the storytelling enhanced by Kelly Murphy's cheery illustrations. They're slender books--The Wyverns' Treasure is 154 pages, including Nate's glossary at the back. But that just makes them a more accessible read for their intended audience. I can happily recommend the Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist books to kids who have run out of Magic Tree House books and are wondering just what to read next!

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