The Terrible Trickster by Frances Watts
Ill. by Gregory Rogers. Sword Girl Book 5. Allen & Unwin
2013. ISBN 9781743313213. 126p. RRP $11.99.
Highly recommended 7-9 year olds. Themes: Medieval Times, Castle
Life, Ghosts. Frances Watt's Sword Girl series follow a
feisty young girl character Thomasina - Tommy who is Keeper of the
Blades at Flamant Castle. A trickster is making castle life a
nightmare.
There is sneezing powder in the knights' soup, in Mrs Moon's kitchen
the salt is changed for sugar and Sir Walter's sheets are covered in
itching powder. Tommy's inquisitive nature leads her into trouble
and the blame falls upon her. To clear her name she seeks help from
the castle animals, Lil the cat, even the pigeon and the crocodiddle
that lives in the moat. The swords she cleans and sharpens, also
communicate with Tommy and encourage her to find the trickster.
This is another exciting addition to this series; Frances Watts has
created a strong, engaging girl character that readers will come to
love. The cast of castle characters wonderfully add to the interest
and engagement as Tommy is involved with everyone from Sir Walter to
the laundry maids.
Gregory Rogers' pen and ink cartoons add excitement and a fun comic
element to the tricks played out in the story.
I highly recommend this story for independent readers from 7 years
of age. It would make an exciting Year 2-3 class novel - a great
example of a rich narrative story.
Rhyllis Bignell