"The ghost had faded, and
the trolls just stared out the
windows while reciting poems.
Yes, it was time
to move on."
In this second story about Julia and her house, children are invited to fall in love all over again with a girl who shares all she has with an interesting variety of well-drawn, fantastic creatures. The title page shows the precarious perch upon which her house sits ... a giant turtle. It is awake and neck-stretching, as it prepares to move forward. A tiny plant-covered critter is heading her way; Julia provides a warm welcome. Because the house is restless, it disconcerts all who are living there.
Luckily, Julia has a plan.
"Books were packed.
Boxes stacked.
She had a nice spot picked
out in the mountains.
But THEN ... "
As sometimes happens, her first plan goes awry, as does the next, and then the next. Action at every turn will have young readers holding their breath and wanting to see what is in store for Julia and her housemates. Ben Hatke does a super job of showing each new obstacle for the house and its inhabitants. A quick pace is set. Julia is always able to make her way through the troubles facing her. The creatures are expertly presented. Julia's dilemmas are quickly settled before moving on to the next hiccup in her plan.
Sharing the two Julia stories together gives the audience a chance to see how sequels work, even in picture books. The first one begins this wonderful story of hope and kindness, and the second one brings it full circle when it shows the disparate creatures with their own plan for the future ... Julia included.
What might happen next? No one can know. Fans will have to be patient to find out.
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