Children of the Red King Bk. 6:
Charlie Bone and the Beast
by Jenny Nimmo

    CHARLIE BONE AND THE BEAST by Jenny Nimmo
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  5/29/07
    Publisher:  Orchard Books
    Reviewed by:  Cana Rensberger
    Rating:  5 Stars


    In Ms. Nimmo’s sixth book in the series featuring Charlie Bone, a kettle of trouble is brewing. Charlie and his
    friends once again lead the reader on a breathtaking adventure through the world of Bloor’s Academy.

    Charlie is appointed official monitor to a new student who can control water. Charlie is not thrilled to have Dagbert
    following him everywhere. It soon becomes clear that Dagbert is doing everything he can to split up Charlie and his
    friends. Especially when strange things begin happening on Piminy Street.

    A strange beast, part human, part something else, howls in the night. Stone statues begin to move. Rivers overflow
    their banks without warning. Trolls come alive, and a blacksmith forges steel late into the night. Even Cook is
    afraid. Who are these strangers from the sea? Will Charlie and his friends be able to save Asa from the Bloors?

    There is a similarity between Ms. Nimmo’s books and the famous Harry Potter series; the students go to a special
    school. But the similarity ends there. The books are written on an easier reading level for the younger reader. Ms.
    Nimmo is exceedingly imaginative in creating her characters and their endowments. I would love to see these
    characters on the big screen. She artfully doles out just enough morsels of the Red King’s history to satisfy, while
    leaving a few crumbs behind to eagerly lead the reader to her next book.

    Ms. Nimmo has created another terrific page turner. I recommend that if you have read none of the CHILDREN
    OF THE RED KING series that you read them in order. But mostly…I recommend you read them.