
Cady's path will soon cross with the Ashers. Marigold Asher, who is around Cady's age, is not sure what her Talent is yet, so she tries to do a dozen different things every day. Her older brother, Zane, is Talented at spitting, while her little brother, Will, has a knack for getting lost. They'll also meet a woman searching to regain her memory, a fellow with a hot air balloon, a shopkeeper who likes to steal, and his employee, Toby.
There's also a ferret. Her name is Sally, and she can usually be found at Will's side.
With its interwoven stories about these interesting and Talented characters, A Tangle of Knots will be enjoyed by folks who like Roald Dahl's works for young readers. Fans of Savvy by Ingrid Law should pick up this book and vice-versa. Aspiring bakers will get an added kick out of the recipes that are shared throughout the sweet book.
My favorite passages include:
"Life is the grandest adventure one can go on, isn't it?" the giant said kindly (he seemed to be a very friendly giant). "What else could a person ask for than just to be alive?"
Will knew exactly what a person could ask for. "Monsters," he said. "And cake."
- Page 131
I pictured Turtle Wexler from The Westing Game watching from the wings during this part:
Marigold was typically the type of girl who refrained from whacking surly old men in the shins as hard as she could. But today was not a typical day.
- Page 181
A Tangle of Knots will be floating into bookstores in February 2013.
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