The Problem Child (Sisters Grimm Series #3)

by Michael Buckley Narrated by L. J. Ganser

Overview

The fairy-tale detectives set out to rescue their parents in The Problem Child, the third book in Michael Buckley's beloved New York Times bestselling Sisters Grimm series.

For Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, the latest in a long line of fairy-tale detectives, there is one mystery they want to solve above all others: Who kidnapped their parents? Sabrina finds the secret hideaway of the Scarlet Hand, the sinister group of Everafters who are holding her parents captive, and she has a chance to rescue their mom and dad. But her plan is foiled by the most famous fairy-tale character in the world. How can a human child defeat a magic one? With the help of her little sister (who is a lot tougher than Sabrina realizes) and a long-lost relative, Sabrina finds a powerful weapon ... but discovers that magic comes at a high price.

The beloved Sisters Grimm series is the perfect opportunity for existing fans to revisit the adventures of the Grimm family and for new readers to discover the magic of the series for the first time.

“Kids will love Sabrina and Daphne's adventures as much as I did.”-Sarah Michelle Gellar, star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Editorial Reviews

In the intensely infernal installment of this fairy-tale detective saga, the sisters Grimm come face to face with their parents' kidnappers. To overcome the machinations of the dreaded Scarlet Hand, the sisters must find a way to reconstruct a weapon capable of killing the Jabberwocky. Not so elementary, but a lot of fun.

Publishers Weekly

And speaking of sisters... book three in the Sisters Grimm series, The Problem Child by Michael Buckley, continues the adventures of 11-year-old Sabrina and seven-year-old Daphne, first introduced in The Fairy-Tale Detectives (PW praised the book's "good-natured inanity and eccentric personalities"), descendents of Jacob and Wilhelm. Here they set out to solve the most important mystery of their lives: what happened to their parents more than a year ago? The search for answers leads them to the most famous fairy-tale character of all. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Sabrina Grimm, 11, and her 7-year-old sister, Daphne, are still on the trail of "The Scarlet Hand," which has kidnapped their parents. On the way to rescuing them, the sisters meet their likable Uncle Jake, whom they had never heard of before. Granny Relda had arranged for everyone in town to forget him after he inadvertently broke the spell that kept a deranged Little Red Riding Hood in the asylum. The book is loaded with cameos by fairy-tale characters, including Prince Charming as playboy turned sleazy politician. Although they will delight fairy-tale fans, some of the most interesting figures get short shrift. Puck, who combines magic with mischief in a way that both attracts and repels Sabrina, disappears from the action early on. Granny Relda's gentleman friend and every tale's wicked wolf is resurrected only at the end of the novel. Still, there is plenty of plucky Sabrina, nurturing Granny Relda, and Daphne. The end leaves plenty for the next book to resolve. Each chapter starts with a menacing silhouette, and black-and-white full-page illustrations add more macabre details. Recommend this to anyone who is craving a bit of dark humor rolled up with whimsy and adventure.-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Poor choreography in the battle scenes drags the latest entry in this otherwise delicious series below par. After a brief but necessary recap, Buckley plunges his two young sleuths into further developments in their search for their snatched parents. These include the appearance of a reckless sorcerer uncle; repeated attacks from a savage Jabberwock ridden by Little Red Riding Hood (here a crazed homicidal maniac in the wake of what the Big Bad Wolf did to her family); and a desperate search for the vorpal blade, which is not just the only way to kill a Jabberwock, but also a key to Faerie. The dialogue ("I'm a fish that talks and you're having trouble with me granting wishes?"), set pieces capped by a nerve-wracking visit to the hut of cannibal and soap-opera addict Baba Yaga and occasional theatrical illustrations from Ferguson are as clever as ever. But the headlong pace too often stumbles over outrageously destructive, lightning-swift attacks that somehow always leave characters time to ruminate, converse or fumble about in pockets for magical defenses. Even confirmed fans will hope for tighter writing in future outings. (Fantasy. 10-12)

JUN/JUL 07 - AudioFile

This fairy-tale frolic is the third in the Sisters Grimm series. L.J. Ganser’s warm voice expresses just the right amount of humor as he narrates Sabrina and Daphne Grimm’s attempts to rescue their parents, who are being held captive by local homicidal maniac Little Red Riding Hood. Equally entertaining are the scenes involving the Grimm’s magical neighbors. Baba Yaga’s cackles, the Little Mermaid’s whines, and Puck’s crowing create dramatic moments in the girls’ various enchanted quests. While the action will be key for most listeners, they will also appreciate the details of family dynamics expressed in the story. These fairy tales come to life with captivating results. C.A. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170998371
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	03/27/2009
Series:	The Sisters Grimm Series
Edition description:	Unabridged

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