But the overriding question still exists: why do faerie creatures want this book? The all decide that the best person to ask is Aunt Lucinda, even though she's been rooted off to a looney bin. They decide to visit her, and indeed learn a great deal (and this is another scene where the authors flex their creative muscles, showing why - regardless of any comparisons to L.S. - they're in a league of their own), but also discover, much to everyone's dismay (and Jared's anger - he blames Mallory and is ready to fight her!) that Arthur Spiderwick's book is GONE.
They then find a note instructing them to bring the book to a certain location, but before reaching that location run into a Phooka who says things to them that, while seemingly senseless riddles, are most assuredly not. If the reader is careful and listens to what the Phooka says, and to what the Elves say when they meet them (for it was Elves who left the note, asking for the book), they will see a potentially most exciting development.
Once again, a marvelous read, with brilliant illustrations. I'm very glad that I'm reading these books back to back, for they're absolutely delightful reads. (Disappointing, though, that I'll have to wait a few months for the final book!)
Jared prepares to show her the feild guide ,but it's not there! When Jared unwraps it, he finds a book called Microwave Magic.
While searching the library the three Grace children find old maps. They decide to go to an old meeting spot. "It's really old. What could happen?" Jared assked. "Famous last words. We'll go, but the second things get wierd we're leaving," Mallory replied.
On the way they meet a strange creature. He begins to talk what is seemingly nonsense. "Most don't make it this far - or this near," and, "You lost your uncle? How careless, but I hear humans live longer in captivity than in the wild." After reading this book several times I began to understand the creatures rants.
This is another remarkable peice of work from Tony Ditterlizi and Holly Black. When you read this book you find that you can't wait to read The Ironwood Tree.
