The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books

This rollicking metafictional fantasy by Perry (The Magicians of Elephant County) finds 10-year-old Oliver Nelson secreting away in, and stealing books from, a largely unvisited library. It's the latter half of the 21st century, and he's the only child he knows who reads. His classmates, instead, are fascinated by the alternate reality worlds provided by Pribble Entertainment, a corporation helmed by Mr. and Mrs. Pribble, inventors and avaricious collectors of children's books. Keen to collect Mr. Pribble's favorite fictional book, The Timekeeper's Children, the Pribbles track down Oliver, who last checked out the book's last existing copy. With a device of their own invention that's capable of stealing memories, they force him into an alternate reality version of the book. To make his way in the beloved story while attempting to foil the Pribbles' plot, Oliver must forge alliances and persuade the characters to join their quest. Perry's early scene of Oliver sampling the Pribbles' VR goggles clearly aligns fantasy stories with the sorts of video games that are their conceptual descendants, a move that results in an imaginative read for fans of the Land of Stories series. Ages 8-12. Agent: Alex Slater, Trident Media. (Mar.)

Gr 3-7—Oliver Nelson is a mostly good if pessimistic kid with a secret: He's a book thief. This wouldn't be a problem—after all, no one visits the local public library anymore—except the Pribbles, two wealthy inventors and book collectors, have taken a sudden interest in one of the books Oliver stole, and his attempt to return it ends in disaster when the book is instead tossed into a garbage truck. Soon, Oliver is sucked into the Pribbles' latest invention, a virtual reality device that will allow them to take the book's plot straight out of his head. Now Oliver must assist the main characters on their quest—all while avoiding giants, bats, eels, and, of course, the Pribbles—in order to escape. This is a fast-paced, funny tale set in the not too distant future that features an amusing cast of characters. Oliver is perhaps a bit too insightful for the average 10-year-old, but his quick wit and humor are sure to captivate readers. Primary characters present as white. VERDICT Much in the style of a classic Roald Dahl, this adventure story has a pleasing tongue-in-cheek style. Recommended purchase.—Kaitlin Frick, Darien Lib., CT