Magic Shop Bk. 1:
The Monster's Ring
by Bruce Coville

    THE MONSTER'S RING by Bruce Coville
    Illustrated by:  Katherine Coville
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  10/1/08
    Publisher:  Magic Carpet Books
    Reviewed by:  Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Poor Russell Crannaker is being bullied.  He’s being bullied at school by Eddie, and he feels bullied by his parents
    when he can’t seem to get a word in at home.  

    When Russell is running away from Eddie one afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious shop: Mr. Elives magic
    shop.  It’s here that he finds the monster’s ring.  The ring Russell has just purchased is more than a ring - it can
    transform Russell into a monster.  Russell loves monsters, so he enjoys becoming one with the turn of his ring.  Plus,
    Halloween is coming up and transforming himself into a monster would be the best costume ever.  

    But being a monster is dangerous, and when Russell dares to turn the ring and transform into a monster again and
    again, he gets much more than fur and horns!  

    I have been a big fan of Bruce Coville since I was a child, so I was excited to see this series re-released.  This book
    is the first in the MAGIC SHOP books and is the perfect treat for a funny, spooky read.  The story was short, but it
    had just the right amount of humor and mystery.  At the end, the book included a note from the author in which he
    mentioned he wrote THE MONSTER'S RING so he would have a great Halloween read.  

    I agree - this is the perfect Halloween, or anytime, read!