The Ironwood Tree (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4)

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After a brief breather in book three (Lucinda's Secret), the Spiderwick Chronicles heat up with doppelgangers, then dwarves, then a dastardly double-cross, as this five-part series approaches its dramatic end.

The Grace kids (9-year-old twins Simon and Jared, and 13-year-old Mallory) might think that things have finally quieted down for them, but the nefarious faerie world has many more surprises in store. In the second chapter, titled, "IN WHICH the Grace twins are triplets," a mysterious and menacing shape-shifter shows up at Mallory's fencing match--and before Simon and Jared can suss out what's up, their sister disappears, presumably kidnapped. Eager to recover Mallory, the two descend into a strange subterranean world beneath a nearby quarry, only to find themselves prisoners and then privy to a wicked (and almost unbelievable) plan. The twins do end up tracking down Mallory, but only in very peculiar circumstances--not the least of which that she's wearing a dress.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The fourth episode of Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi's Spiderwick Chronicles is here and more spellbinding than ever! When the Grace children and their mom attend Mallory's fencing competition, Jared spies an odd-looking fellow rooting through Mallory's duffel bag. The problem is, the thief looks just like Jared himself, and when the boy confronts his mysterious double with a knife -- iron is known to repel faeries -- the "Not-Jared" disappears and Jared winds up almost expelled from school. But when Mallory disappears, a trip to the quarry results in a harrowing meeting with dwarves, a run-in with a googly-eyed "knocker," a scheme to rescue their sister from a strange sleep, and finally, a startling fight over the book. All may look hopeless for the Grace kids, but thankfully, help is right at home. A page-turning installment that even includes an image of Jared's expulsion letter, The Ironwood Tree packs the punch that fans have come to love.

ANNOTATION

After Mallory is kidnapped at her fencing meet, Jared and Simon search for her near an old quarry and find themselves amidst dwarves and goblins.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

First a pack of vile, smelly goblins snatch Simon. Then a band of elves try to entrap Jared. Why is the entire faerie world so eager to get their hands on Spiderwick's Guide? And will the Grace kids be left alone, now that the Guide has mysteriously disappeared? Don't count on it.

At school, someone is running around pretending to be Jared, and it's not Simon. To make matters even worse, now Mallory has disappeared and something foul in the water is killing off all the plants and animals for miles around. Clues point to the old abandoned quarry, just outside of town. Dwarves have taken over an abandoned mine there. And the faerie world's abuzz with the news that a creature with plans to rule the world has offered them a gift to join with him -- he's given them a queen...

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The penultimate volume in The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4: The Ironwood Tree by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black pits Jared and Simon Grace against quarry-dwelling dwarves who have kidnapped their sister, Mallory. The children must escape these and other dangers that surface as a new arch-villain arises at the book's conclusion, prepping readers for the final installment. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black spin a tale of contemporary kids plagued by faeries (spelled the old-fashioned way). The Ironwood Tree, Book 4 of the "Spiderwick Chronicles," continues the adventures of Simon, Jared and Mallory Grace. After her fencing match, Mallory mysteriously disappears. Simon and Jared must puzzle out a stone-chipped riddle to discover her whereabouts. Imprisoned by dwarves and menaced by metal dogs, the youngsters witness the first treacherous battle of Mulgarth, an evil being plotting a world takeover. Hard on the heels of the popular Harry Potter series and Lord of the Rings movies, this fantasy will have kids flying through its pages and eager for Book Five, the conclusion. DiTerlizzi's black-and-white map and illustrations reveal fascinating specifics of the faerie world. 2004, Simon and Schuster, Ages 8 to 12.

School Library Journal