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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.
M.P. Kozlowsky's debut is a modern-day fairy tale of terror, temptation, and ways in which it is our choices that make us who we are.
Chris3588
Posted April 30, 2011
This debut book by M.P. Kozlowsky is impressive. Although it will primarily be marketed to a younger demographic, it has tremendous cross-appeal for adults. I found myself unable to stop reading throughout, often saying, "Ok, just one more chapter". The most important thing for me was the strong attachment to the characters. Kozlowsky did a great job setting up the story and developing an attachment between the reader and the protagonist. In addition, the supporting characters were equally fleshed out so that you care what happens to them. Too often in stories today, there is an increasing desire to "get to the action" but, I'm glad that was not the case here (there is plenty action later on!). The villian was excellently portrayed and the themes of temptation, addiction to power, and redemption were powerful. There were many instances that created mystery in a way that I haven't felt since I watched the TV show LOST. The story had a lot of dark imagery that was creatively described; so much so that it was easy to visualize the scenes in my head. The vocabulary will be challenging at times for younger readers but that's ok: I feel it's important for children to challenge themselves to learn new words. From the enticing cover art to the satisfying finale, I was enthralled the whole time and can't wait to see Kozlowsky's next book!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 19, 2011
It was a great book full of detail it was so cool how you get your wish but it sucks how it twists it around. I loved the ending espisally because it was happy (:
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NaughtyBrent
Posted August 25, 2011
The cover and synopsis of JUNIPER BERRY make it sound it's everything I want in a good story. Dark, creepy middle grade is the absolute best, and the cover gives off this larger-than-life feel. When my good friend Jessica recommended I give it a try, I listened. (Oh yes, I listened. You should always listen to your friends, especially when they are speaking of books.)
JUNIPER BERRY is the story of Juniper Berry (a fine name indeed) a lonely girl whose parents are the most famous actors. When she notices a change in her parents-they don't give her the same amount of attention they did a year ago, they don't cook dinner, they aren't interested in Juniper period-our marvelous protagonist sets out to get to the bottom of this peculiar behavior. With her best fried, Giles, Juniper enters the woods behind her house with nothing but fervor. Little does she know, she's going to need much more than love for her parents-or rather, her OLD parents-to defeat the sneaky creature responsible.
JUNIPER BERRY was a delightful book. Honestly, I expected more-the tone was a little flavorless, and the story was a little stale-but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I felt sympathy for Juniper Berry and was oh so scared for her well-being once I hit those final chapters. (NO, don't go through that door Juniper Berry! RUN! RUN! RUN!) I also loved her friend Giles, who may or may not resemble a scared cat.
JUNIPER BERRY is the perfect read for the season coming up, I think. But it now, read it in October. The beautiful illustrations only add to the dark and creepy atmosphere.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 8, 2013
This book is amazing. Juniper is such a sweet and brave girl. This book will keep you up. Mystery action and adventure.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 3, 2013
I loved this book so much that I got my entire book club at the library to read it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 12, 2012
Juniper Berry is an adventurous middle grade thriller about an 11 year old girl and her friend Giles searching for the cure to their parents' strange behavior over the past few years.
The beginning was a little bit slow, and at first you think that this is going to be yet another woeful tale of a child not receiving attention from their parents. Then Giles enters the scene and tells Juniper about his own parents and their strange behavior. They decide that there must be more behind the neglectful ways of their parents and do some investigating.
Eventually they come to discover the underworld where their parents have been selling bits of their souls to a sinister creature in exchange for realization of their dreams.
Once the story got going, it was very fascinating. It is a tale of learning to love who you are, and accepting your own shortcomings because they are what make you unique. The story is about chasing your dreams, and discovering how far you would go in order to achieve your goals. Would you sell your soul? Don't be so sure you wouldn't.
I enjoyed the aspect of Juniper learning how far is too far. She learns about friendship, kindness, and loving other people even with their natural weaknesses, and she learns about herself and what she truly wants out of life. She is a brave little heroine with a big heart and a bigger determination to save the souls of her parents.
The age level is a bit generous, I think. The book is supposed to be for children 8 years old and up. Honestly, I wouldn't give this book to a child under 10. Juniper and Giles come upon some very disturbing discoveries and some of the scenes (in my opinion) are a little too scary for younger kids.
The Illustrations: The artwork in Juniper Berry were fantastic. There are just a few illustrations sprinkled throughout the book, adding a visual to the storyline. I love Madrid's style. He rendered each illustration well, giving life to the characters and situations.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 28, 2012
A girl in a purple praetor's cape sat in a seat, drumming a table with her fingers. She had layered aburn hair and stormy grey eyes. Two dogs flanked the desk, one silver, one gold. On a pole perched a golden eagle. On her arm there were letters and a mark. An owl mark.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 19, 2012
A fun children's book. A book with delightful terror =D
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 29, 2011
Not so creepy when you're older than 12, but still a stimulating read. I wished it were longer though.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I love delving into worlds featuring the fantastic. If left up to me, life would be a fantasy...or a fairy tale. I love novels brimming with epic quests and the discovery that comes as a child discovers him/herself. JUNIPER BERRY by M.P. Kozlowsky fills all of these requirements, albeit in a creepy, unforgiving way. The novel's children, Juniper and Giles, are forced to grow up as them embark on a journey to save their parents.
Everyone has been comparing JUNIPER BERRY to the little-known tale THE JUNIPER TREE by The Brothers Grimm, but I have trouble seeing the connection aside from, you know, the juniper tree. Think of a book that has been adapted into the worst adaptation of a movie you've ever seen. You get annoyed at how different they are, how the two only share a name. Comparing JUNIPER BERRY to THE JUNIPER TREE is like that: The comparison is too loose with next to no connections. THE JUNIPER TREE reminds me more of the eerie, yet awesome musical SWEENEY TODD by Stephen Sondheim, full of death, secrets, and mayhem. JUNIPER BERRY.does not. So don't go into this novel expecting something twisted or demented, because you won't find it. Don't forget: This is a middle-grade novel for kids. If it was too crazy, they'd be scarred for life. Heck, the book's already creepy enough that I would have been hiding under my covers after reading it as a child. It has just the right amount of creep (because I was a scaredy-cat child): Not too much, not too little. "Just right," as Goldilocks would say!
The novel centers around a girl named Juniper Berry, who lives in a mansion with her dog (delightfully named Kitty) and her famous movie star parents. She grew up sheltered and loved. As her parents' stars began shining brighter, it was harder to go out and be "normal" people. Juniper is home-schooled and doesn't know how to participate in childhood staples such as Hide-and-Seek. Her private tutors are more than happy to stick her with work then take off to snoop into the lives of such famous actors. Lately, Juniper's parents have no time for her. They're always rehearsing, and they brush her off or say mean things to her. Something has changed. One day while wandering in the local woods, Juniper meets a boy named Giles. Giles' parents have been acting as strange as Juniper's, and Giles is looking for a tree he saw them disappear into the previous night. That night, Juniper follows her parents and sees the same thing. Together, Juniper and Giles find a way to open the ominous tree favored by a lone black raven.
Inside the tree, they meet a mysterious man named Skeksyl and discover that the raven, Neptune, is his companion. The description for Skeksyl brought an image of Kamaji from the movie SPIRITED AWAY.
The entire novel is filled with such descriptive prose. The cover states that JUNIPER BERRY is "a tale of terror and temptation," and rightly so. While not so terrifying as an adult, the language and visuals will hit their target audience dead-on. It's hard to describe. The tone reminds me a lot of CORALINE by Neil Gaiman. It has the same texture/flavor that I'm trying to explain to you. The aspect of temptation is woven in deftly, filling the tale with strong morals, but in a way that never preaches.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 13, 2013
This creative, exciting, and mysterious novel hooks readers. It is delightfully creepy.
If you liked watching the movie Coraline, I totally recommend this book. It is one of those stories I will read again and again.
The characters develop during the story and the plot twists to reveal new mysteries. If you are 11-13 you would like this book.
It's a little easy for 14 year olds, but it's such a great story that any kid or teen would love it.
Anonymous
Posted March 3, 2013
What is so creepy about the book????
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 19, 2013
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 31, 2012
This book is sooooo good you need to read it i love this book read it is like a movie
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Posted June 16, 2012
I want a mate
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 16, 2012
U need a mate right? My brother does. Hes at fw first result. His name is firewolf
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 27, 2012
Fuq U whoever read this! :p
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 5, 2012
Vvbb
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 27, 2012
It was cool though
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 22, 2011
My best friend emily read this book & said it was AMAZING so im gonna read it too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
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 ...