bn.com
An orphan's tale is often used as fodder for a good story, and author Philip Pullman and illustrator David Mostyn bring the adventures of three runaway orphans to light with exceptional humor, drama, and wit. Following Rose, Lily, and little Ned as they make their way through the streets of London, readers soon discover that villains lurk in the streets. Who is to look out for these helpless kids? Why, Spring-Heeled Jack, of course! The caped crusader prides himself on sporty shoes with springs that let him jump in leaps and bounds. Featuring Pullman's thrilling plotline and comic-book illustrations that stand on their own, Spring-Heeled Jack is a exciting and excellent read for both reluctant readers and established Pullman fans.
Kathleen Odean
Humor and melodrama prevail in this jaunty illustrated novel from the Whitbread Prize–winning author of The Amber Spyglass. Set in Victorian England, the fast-moving tale features an old-fashioned superhero, Spring-Heeled Jack, who dresses like the devil but acts like an angel, saving the helpless from evildoers. Each page integrates comic-strip panels and text, adding a strong visual appeal and emphasizing the saucy humor.
Publishers Weekly
In Victorian London, three children escape an orphanage only to fall into the clutches of Mack the Knife. "Part narrative, part comic strip, this waggish, innovative story of a courageous trio is sure to engage even the most reluctant reader," wrote PW. Ages 8-12. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-- The author of Ruby in the Smoke (Knopf, 1987) again pulls readers back to Victorian London for a tale of dark deeds and bright courage, aimed this time at a younger audience. Rose, Lily, and little Ned escape the Alderman Cawn-Plaster Memorial Orphanage one night, hoping to board ship and make a new life in America--but they don't reckon on running into cutthroat Mack the Knife and his evil band, or being so hotly pursued by the orphanage's nefarious supervisors, Gasket and Killjoy. With help from a good-hearted sailor, a small but fierce stray dog, and especially from Spring-Heeled Jack, a menacing caped figure in tights, tophat, and trick shoes that let him jump over tall buildings in a single bound, the brave children win their way to safety, and even find--O Joy!--their long-lost father. Pullman's prose is appropriately melodramatic, and breaks frequently into Mad Magazine -style cartoon panels, with dialogue in square balloons and small creatures at the edges making asides. The author and illustrator obviously had great fun with this funny, action-packed send-up, and so will readers. --John Peters, New York Public Library
From the Publisher
Hilarious, neatly plotted, and thoroughly appealing.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“The author and illustrator obviously had great fun with this funny, action-packed send-up, and so will readers.”—School Library Journal, Starred
