Elliot and the Pixie Plot
Sourcebooks/Raincoast Books
age 8-12
by Jennifer A Nielsen, illustrated by Gideon Kendall
208 pages
Synopsis from Raincoast Books:
Elliot, King of the Brownies, isn’t usually a stubborn kid, but he didn’t see a lot of room to bargain on the issue of Goblins eating his subjects. Which is how he winds up alone in the Underworld, with no map either home or ahead to Demon Territory. Between trying to steal a hair for the Pixie Princess and a sock for the Fairies from a demon, being King of the Brownies is no easy job!
My kids loved following Elliot’s adventures back in the Underworld again in Elliot and the Pixie Plot. With magic spells, mythical creatures, and deception along the way, who could blame them? The book, Elliot and the Pixie Plot, takes the kids into a mysterious world. Sure there are some dark episodes with Shadowmen and the darkness of Demon Territory (where the Demon Kovol lives, the meanest of them all) but there’s also Elliot’s courage and growing friendships with the creatures of the Underworld. And by Underworld we’re talking about the world under our world versus what we might consider the Underworld.
People are imprisoned and put in scary situations (like being stuck in gripping mud when surrounded by Shadowmen) but there are no swords and fighting and death. The scenes are scary enough to keep the kids reading on to find out how Elliot gets out of his mess. We enjoyed taking turns reading a few chapters at night. I love how the Elliot series shows that being a King, someone people look up to and respect, takes more than wearing a crown. It’s a great lesson in friendship and looking out for each other (as well as a great adventure).
You can start Elliot’s adventure as he becomes the Brownie King in the first book, Elliot and the Goblin War, though it isn’t essential to enjoy the second book. We’re looking forward to the next installment in the Underworld Chronicles, Elliot and the Last Underworld War.
You can find a copy of Elliot and the Pixie Plot by visiting your local book store or visiting Raincoast Books. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations. What are you reading with your kids?
I have to thank Raincoast Books for my review copy.