YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Spiderwick Feature - Holly Black, Tony Di'Terlizzi

BOOK BLURB:

When the Grace children moved into the old, abandoned Spiderwick Mansion, little did they realise that their lives would never be the same again. Having uncovered a fantastical world of sprites, faeries and goblins there's no turning back.
The Ultimate Spiderwick Chronicles features all five of the original books plus great new bonus content! Discover the three 'lost' chapters that were included in the Nestle Cereal Partners cereal boxes, and the special 'development' section showing sketches and early drafts. Readers both old and new, young and old will be completely immersed in the world of Spiderwick with this Ultimate collection.


REVIEW:

OK, you’ve come to Spiderwick late, you’ve heard that your son/daughter/niece/nephew, really wants this set of books as they’ve recently enjoyed the DVD, so what are you going to do. Well panic not, here is your opportunity to get the original series beautifully wrapped up and presented in this Omnibus edition recently released by Simon and Schuster. Whilst the film is touched upon in the series, you get greater depth as well as exploration of the Spiderwick world within. A great thing to do for new readers and a time/space savour for the adult involved along with being true value for money.



BOOK BLURB:

Nick and Laurie thought their giant problems were solved after they lured all the giants into the sea. But now, the Grace kids are back to tell them they may have caused more trouble! It turns out the giants control the population of Hydra, a dragon like creature that creates sinkholes all over Florida. But with the mermaids refusing to return the giants to the shore, Taloa still demanding their help in looking for her lost sisters and the threat of Florida's destruction drawing closer, the kids have to take matters in their own hands. Will Nick and Laurie be able to stop the chaos they unwittingly caused? Is the giant hunter Noseeum Jack really as helpful as they thought? Can Arthur Spiderwick's infamous Field Guide help them out of this mess? Find out in the final instalment of the bestselling series, Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles!


REVIEW:

Spiderwick is something of an institution in my home. I have the DVD, I have the full set of books and I’m getting ready to do something special for my nephew to introduce him to the wonderful world created by Black and illustrated by DiTerlizzi.

One thing I will say before we go much further is that this is not a book to jump into having just seen the film, you have to immerse yourself into the world and to do that fully, you have to have read each novel to get the maximum effect and pleasure from the book. Each tale expands on the world as we explore themes and meet new creatures with each jump of the tale and to be honest its definitely something that will enchant old and young alike. A great book and a cracking addition to the next layer of Black’s and DiTerlizzi’s. Well written, beautifully illustrated and above all a story arc to get pure pleasure from. Great work.