The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp

Synopsis:

“Welcome to the Fabled Stables, a magical building filled with one-of-a-kind creatures. Creatures including the Gargantula, the Yawning Abyss, the Hippopotamouse . . . and Auggie. Auggie is the only human boy at the Stables, and he takes care of all the other animals. The Fabled Stables have a mind of their own, and every so often, the building SHAKES and SHUDDERS, TWITCHES and SPUTTERS—it’s making room for a new arrival! It’s Auggie’s job to venture out and rescue a new creature from mortal danger. But will he be able to complete his mission before it’s too late? With some help from Fen (a literal stick-in-the-mud) and his animal companions, Auggie saves the day and makes a new friend in the process.”

Review:

I’m familiar with a few of Joanthan’s previous works – Sweep and The Night Gardener and I was excited to get a chance to read this new adventure. This is geared to a younger audience – the perfect story for kids looking for chapter books, but aren’t quite ready for middle grade novels. At 96 pages and with full-color illustrations, this is a truly immersive story.

I love a magical story that is full of imagination and adventure and Auggie’s story fits all of my requirements! What I enjoy most is that you could as easily read this aloud as a child could read it themselves. And it would work both ways! I mean, how can you not love a story with things like a hurly-burly hour, a Long-Beaked Curmudgeon, and a ladder that can reach the moon?

If your kiddos have checked out The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz, you’ve got to check out The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp! And look for #2 in The Fabled Stables series coming next May!

And if you’re looking for even more great chapter books for young readers, check out this list!

Need to Know:

Title: The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp
Author: Jonathan Auxier
Illustrator: Olga Demidova
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Page Number: 96 pgs.