Age 04-08. 4 Stars. A continuation of the lighthearted fantasy begun in My Father’s Dragon… It would be better for his adventure take place with his parents’ knowledge and blessing, but this is still an exciting, interesting and funny story excursion.

Age 08-12. 3 Stars. The Westing Game is a sophisticated mystery with a lively plot and many funny moments. The multimillionare Sam Westing names sixteen heirs in his will, which turns out to be a complex riddle, and the one who solves it inherits his estate…. [It is] The Westing Game is a good yarn — a page-turning, entertaining read with a satisfying conclusion. The plot, characters, and riddle are perfectly suited to its 8-12 reading level, but its cynical portrayal of religion and its temporal focus on status and money may unduly influence immature readers. If you’re looking for a story with an ultimate theme, better look elsewhere.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Zelinsky has done it again with his wonderful rendition of this classic fairy tale. His finely-detailed paintings capture the mood and marvel of this suspenseful story,… a picture-book format provides an opportunity for a good artist to really draw out this story’s timeless themes of greed, fear, despair, and maternal love, and the triumphant resolution of this story well balances its dark moments.