Guardians of Magic (The Cloud Horse Chronicles #1)

In the land of Thrynne, magic is under threat of being controlled and eliminated by those who fear it. Yet three orphaned tweens are sent special gifts crafted from the wood of the Forever Tree, the source of all magic. Baker Zam receives a spoon that allows him to create living beings out of sugar and gingerbread; musician Phoebe is given a cello capable of dreaming and talking; and giant-slayer’s daughter Bathsheba, who yearns to commune with giants rather than kill them, is sent a powerful “worpal sword.” As the three run afoul of humanoid rats, clockwork tin soldiers, and cruel professional princesses, they soon join forces to save the Forever Tree and thwart those who would eradicate magic. Packed with offbeat magical creatures and characters, this entertaining series opener by Riddell (Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians) both appreciates and subverts its fairy tale source material, offering fresh takes on familiar themes and concepts. Gradually intertwining plot threads enhanced by realistically rendered illustrations of the novel’s whimsical elements come together in an ambitious adventure filled with wonder. The protagonists are depicted on the book’s cover as having varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agent: Philippa Milnes-Smith, Soho Agency. (July)