Jeninngs, Landra. Whispering Fog, The. Clarion, 09/2022. 240pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-0-3586-7455-9. GRADES 5–7. ADDITIONAL.
Neve and Rose are sisters whose mother has just moved them to a spooky house in the woods. Their parents are separated and there is a discontent that has settled into family life, attracting a nefarious magic fog. Based in part on the Rose Red (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow White fairy tales, the story is complete with an evil witch, Mrs. Katch; a weird yet helpful dwarf; and a magic fog filled with abducted children. The story starts out disjointed and confusing, taking too long to get to the action—Rose’s abduction by the magic fog, and Neve’s subsequent quest to rescue her sibling. Friendships, sister bonds, and defeating evil make for an exciting second half of the book. An uneven offering, but fairy tale fans will enjoy. Characters present as white. This title was published in 2022.
Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library