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Greenwood delivers a children's book filled with timely lessons and a resurgence of hope in a spinoff of King Arthur and the legendary Camelot. The world of magic has a knack for instilling hope within its readers, and this narrative is no different. Catering to children who are beginning to transition from picture books to chapter books, this tale seeks to keep the Camelot story at the forefront of the readers' minds.
When a girl named Kathy constantly experiences bullying—sometimes even being punched by a boy, Henry—she becomes exasperated and visits Merlin the Magician. Not only does Merlin take an audience with her, but he also gives her an assortment of powers that can help Kathy improve the world of all those around her. From a thematic perspective, Greenwood is sending a strong message at an early age that it is not okay, under any circumstance, to hit girls. Although perhaps done indirectly, planting this message in younger children's minds facilitates the rise of a more empathetic and considerate humanity. In a world where brutality toward women is all too common, it is refreshing to see the author tell his story through Kathy's perspective as she evolves from a timid young girl who only wishes for some respite from a bully to a confident young woman ready to take on all comers.
When Merlin gives Kathy powers, she thinks beyond her feud with Henry, directly looking to serve the world. In time, King Artie and Kathy's paths cross, and the king is unquestionably in awe of her abilities and commitment to good. While one finger on the right hand can create debilitating thunder, a finger on the left can render a dangerous situation entirely harmless. Younger audiences will particularly enjoy Kathy's character as she takes flight, uttering the magic words, "Scuba Duba Kazaam!" Interestingly, a generation of now adults has been mesmerized by Merlin, King Arthur, and all of Camelot. Greenwood's choice to integrate the world into his story undoubtedly revitalizes the legend. It is certain to pique the interest of young kids who have never heard the Arthurian legend before.
Stylistically, Greenwood strikes the right balance between text and illustrations, ensuring that both text-oriented and visual learners enjoy the piece. The resplendent energy of the pictures carries over into the prose and allows the story to illuminate in the reader's mind. The clarity of the illustrations pairs seamlessly with prose that primarily consists of simple sentences that move the plot forward while keeping young readers engaged. Whether Kathy saves farmers' crops from a devastating drought or turns dragons into bats, her adventures continuously lead her closer to King Artie's heart. Though readers won't find the traditional epic battles of King Arthur (who in Greenwood's world is now retired), the notion of Camelot, castles, and magic is certain to rekindle memories among adults while sparking the imagination of today's youth. A seamless, adventure-filled storyline fused with a likable female protagonist in Kathy and a familiar world of magic make Greenwood's story an entertaining read.