From Publishers Weekly
PW found this family story set in New Zealand, first of the Cousins Quartet, "original and witty." Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-- Mahy introduces an unusual family in this readable, appealing, and well-written book, the first in a series of four. Pete Fortune, 10, his parents, his punky teenaged brother, and baby sister move from Australia to his father's childhood home in New Zealand. At a family reunion, Pete seeks out his cousins hiding in the woods; they challenge him to sleep in a graveyard in order to be considered a "real Fortune." He passes their test, even having to sleep next to a stone with his own name and age on it. The book concludes with Pete feeling at home, and just beginning to sort out who's who in his eccentric extended family. Mahy knows exactly how to construct a book of this type, and does it so well she makes it look easy. Her characters are well defined and interesting, and the story is told so that each chapter ends with readers wanting to turn the page. In addition, the prose contains graceful descriptive touches and vivid images that will stay with readers who notice more than plot. Occasional line drawings break up the text. All in all, this is an offering that's easy to booktalk, delightful to read. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
