Juniper Berry - Book Review

Title ~ Juniper Berry
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ M.P. Kozlowsky
Release Date ~ April 26, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Walden Pond Press
Source ~ Walden Pond Press

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Juniper Berry's parents are the most beloved actor and actress in the world—but Juniper can't help but feel they haven't been quite right lately. And she and her friend Giles are determined to find out why.

On a cold and rainy night, Juniper follows her parents as they sneak out of the house and enter the woods. What she discovers is an underworld filled with contradictions: one that is terrifying and enticing, lorded over by a creature both sinister and seductive, who can sell you all the world's secrets bound in a balloon. For the first time, Juniper and Giles have a choice to make. And it will be up to them to confront their own fears in order to save the ones who couldn't.

REVIEW

Juniper Berry combines childhood innocence with adult ambition not often seen in children’s books. It touches on the age old saying of “be careful what you wish for.” Juniper’s parents learn this lesson the hard way, when they discover an unusual tree in their backyard. Now it is Juniper’s turn to see just why this lesson may be the most important one of all.

I love mysteries, especially ones of a paranormal variety. What I like about this mystery is that the answer seems to be just out of reach for much of the book. As it turns out though, perhaps the answer was right there all along. Slowly stumbling upon clues reveals the mystery behind Juniper’s parents like a present being slowly unwrapped.

When I think of Juniper Berry, I think of a new born rosebud. She is sweet and just as pure, since she is locked in a mansion with no playmates. What I admire about Juniper is her unique way of seeing things. Juniper doesn’t see the world like you and I; she sees it though looking glasses behind the mansion walls. She is obsessed with nature and the world outside the gates. I wish there were more people like Juniper in the world.

The evil of the hidden world under the tree plays an important role in this story. Juniper exercises extreme will power to not succumb to the evil. I found the form that evil takes on to be downright creepy and kids who scare easily should beware. If you can deal with some scariness, there’s a great lesson to be learned.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

Wow! Such a cool cover. Look at Juniper Berry spelled out in the branches! Oh, and they included the bird – who is also part of the story. “A Tale of Terror and Temptation” indeed.

BLOG TOUR

You can visit other blogs on this tour to learn more about this book.

Monday, May 2nd – Review at There’s a Book -  Review & Interview at Alison’s Bookmarks
Tuesday, May 3rd – Guest Post at My Friend Amy
Thursday, May 5th – Interview at Literary Asylum
Friday May 6th – Guest Post at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Saturday May 7th – Review and Giveaway at National Examiner
Sunday May 8th – Interview at National Examiner
Monday, May 9th – Review, Guest Post and Giveaway at The Book Smugglers