Short Takes: For the kids

THE PUPPET MASTER by Linda McNabb (HarperCollins, $14.99)

Trolls, an evil Archmage who wants to rule the world and 12-year-old Jac, who is discovering his own magical powers, populate this fantasy world. Jac has had an ordinary life up till now, travelling around as puppet-master for Mr Blyne's circus. But strange things start to happen, puppets come to life, trolls keep trying to attack him, and suddenly Jac, rather bemused, is in terrible danger: the Archmage has recognised his gift and wants it for his own. Jac and his friend Danel must hunt for the powerful Star Crystal in order to save the world - and Jac - from the evil one. McNabb's second novel follows The Dragon's Apprentice, shortlisted for the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards this year, and brings readers more well-crafted fantasy.

VERITY'S TRUTH by Fifi Colston (Scholastic, $13.95)

Verity is delighted to be on summer holiday at the camp she and her family always go to. But when she finds a beautiful ring in a rock pool, everything starts to fall apart. Obsessed with the ring, which seems to have a peculiar hold over her, it leads her to display a side of her nature that drives everyone, even her best friend, away. She gradually uncovers its mysterious history, involving two fortune-tellers from 60 years ago, and a tragic death. A smart, involving story for 9- to 13-year-olds, with a convincing narrative voice.

EVIL FRED by Kylie Begg, illustrated by Jacob Leaf (Scholastic, $13.95)

It's a brave person who produces a book with this theme in this climate, but dog-lovers everywhere (and children who like books full of bad behaviour, snot and vomit) will rejoice at this story of the Rancid family and their dog, Evil Fred. The Rancids are hilariously evil, and when an adorable puppy is left on their doorstep they try to make him vicious, too, but Evil Fred can't be anything but A Hero. Brilliant illustrations, too, that kids aged 7 to 12, perhaps especially boys, will love.

THE WISH LIST by Eoin Colfer (Penguin Viking, $19.95)

Not another Artemis Fowl (The Eternity Code is due in May), but a quite different story from this very popular writer. Meg Finn is 14 and going off the rails. A botched robbery ends in a fatal gas explosion and she finds herself in a most unusual situation: her points-balance is exactly equal, her aura purple rather than blue or red, and suddenly she's the most sought-after soul in Heaven and Hell. So St Peter and Beelzebub - two wonderfully disgruntled characters - do a deal, and Meg goes back down to Earth to see if she can tip the balance: helping a lonely old man redress some of the regrets of his life. Clever and very, very witty, but with a touch of poignancy that lifts it well above slapstick.

THE THIEF LORD by Cornelia Funke (The Chicken House, $17.95)

A thriller with just an edge of fantasy, set in the crumbling alleys and canals of Venice. Prosper and Bo are two orphans on the run from their wicked aunt and uncle and a bumbling detective. They hook up with the secretive, masked Thief Lord and his band of ragged children, but the life of petty crime leads to a fantastic adventure. An award-winner in Europe and a bestseller in America, this is a terrific read for children aged 10 and over.