School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-Angus Cairns, a brownie from Scotland, is bound to the McGonagall family by a curse. Following the death of Sarah, the latest member of the family to whom Angus has been bound, Angus leaves Scotland to be bound to the next youngest female McGonagall. But once in America, Angus meets his match in Alex-a feisty, opinionated 10-year-old girl who enjoys being messy. Angus is persnickety, neat, fiery, and notoriously short-tempered. The two of them clash at first but grow to understand each other as Alex learns more about the curse upon her family. Eventually, they devise a plan to get the curse lifted, which involves a journey to the Enchanted Realm. The story, told through diary and journal entries by Angus and Alex, as well as through letters and other supporting documents by others, is filled with mishaps, misunderstandings, adventure, and lots of humor. The full cast, which includes Euan Morton and Nancy O'Connor, truly shines as they bring the characters to life and dramatize the action. One thing to note: younger listeners may take a little time to get used to Angus's heavy Scottish brogue, but that will not prevent them from being able to follow along. VERDICT This first book in the "Enchanted Files" series is laugh-out-loud funny and great family entertainment. ["This is a fresh and fast tale that is sure to elevate the standing of brownies, goblins, and other magical beings": SLJ 6/1/15 review of the Random book.]-Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
This diary-style first book in the Enchanted Realm series introduces hotheaded brownie Angus Cairns, a tiny elfin creature with a penchant for cleanliness and keeping order. He's also cursed and must serve the youngest eligible female of McGonagall family; his newest master, 11-year-old Alex Carhart, could be his biggest challenge yet. She's a "disorderly, messy, negligent, slapdash, untidy, unfastidious, unsanitary creator of disorder," and Angus is sure that they will never get along. When Angus realizes that his curse has infected the entire household and could cost the Carharts their futures-Alex's father abruptly quits his job to write (terrible) songs-the two team up to find a long-lost princess to break the curse. Coville infuses Angus's diary entries (as well as interspersed letters, poems, curses, text messages, etc.) with humor and heart, creating a lovable, altruistic, and slightly grumpy hero in Angus and a determined sidekick in Alex. With magic, mischief, and mayhem to spare, this sweet story of an unlikely friendship ought to delight readers of any age. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
