From: Marge Loch-Wouters <lochwout>
Date: Wed, 2 Aug 1995 09:47:47 -0500

One of the things I enjoyed about both books is the characters that Mahy so realistically creates. These people do seem so ordinary in a "traditional family life" sort of way as you begin each book. Characters that kids can identify with - shy Barney; talkative writer-to? Tabitha; slightly sulky Troy; busy, harried Kate; typical preschooler Jacko - slowly have things happen to them that are mysterious and sometimes not wonderful at all.

Mahy draws readers into each book and introduces the extraordinary into their lives with a delicious creepiness. At the same time each character remains essentially an ordinary person, whether they have supernatural powers or are being acted on by supernatural powers. Mahy's ability to create this juxtaposition with her characters (as well as the descriptions K.T. Horning mentioned in her post) is a quality that is especially strong in these books.

Marge Loch-Wouters Menasha's Public Library lochwout at athenet.net
Received on Wed 02 Aug 1995 09:47:47 AM CDT