The Shrunken Head

July 6, 2015
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: step right up and don’t be shy. You must not—you absolutely cannot!—put this book down.” With this bit of honest advertising, so begins this captivating series opener from Oliver (The Spindlers) and Chester (a pseudonym for Oliver’s father, author Harold Schechter). A curiosity museum in financial trouble, “the only place on earth where four extraordinary children like Thomas, Sam, Pippa, and Max could fit in,” faces bigger problems after a string of accidents and murders are linked to a shrunken head in its collection. Using talents of contortion, strength, mind-reading, and knife-throwing, the four children attempt to save the only home they know, while contending with dangers lurking all over 1930s New York City, from seedy reporters to mad scientists. A quick-paced plot is bolstered by the bonds of friendship these unusual yet endearing children form as they try to solve a mystery greater—and more personal—than they ever expected. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: (for Oliver) Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management; (for Chester) David Patterson, Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency.

June 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-The Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders is home to four orphans: Philipa, Sam, Thomas, and the newest addition, Max. Each child possesses an unusual skill, such as Max's knife-throwing routine, which is performed for the audience's amusement. There is an Odditorium where live performances take place and a Hall of Worldwide Wonders where unusual items selected by Mr. Dumfrey, the museum's owner, are on display. An Amazonian shrunken head is the museum's newest acquisition. When the shrunken head is unveiled at a live performance, a member of the audience passes out and later dies, solidifying the skull's reputation of being cursed. When the head is stolen, the four kids are determined to get it back-and solve the mysteries of the related deaths. From the opening sentence, Oliver grabs readers' attention, enveloping them with strong storytelling and rich language. VERDICT The first book in a new series, the various oddities, intrigues, and its quirky cast of characters are sure to captivate and become a new favorite for mystery lovers.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

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