Pinkwater, Daniel. Jules, Penny, & the Rooster. Tachyon, 03/2025. 160pp. Fiction. Paper $9.95. 978-1-61696-432-0. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Jules and her family move to the suburbs just before she starts middle school, where she wins a collie puppy in a contest. She and the puppy explore the nearby forest, which turns out to be enchanted with a witch, fairies, and other mythical creatures. To protect the forest, Jules must find a magical turtle that can create an invisible barrier. This quickly paced, humorous novel has short chapters, quirky characters, and a delightful first-person voice for the resourceful Jules. A welcome addition to light fantasy novels for children, this is Pinkwater’s first children’s book in ten years. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool