When we learned about Jonathan Auxier’s new Fabled Stables series we were PUMPED! We LOVE his other stories, Peter Nimble and Sophie Quire and are really looking for more fun, illustrated chapter books by Canadian authors.

The first book in the series, Willa the Wisp, introduces us to Auggie the stable boy and many of the fantastical creatures living in the Fabled Stables. Auggie is responsible for all of these unusual creatures and at times a new creature will join the group. Usually Auggie needs to rescue them from some sort of situation. In Willa The Wisp, Willa is being chased by hunters, who turn out to be a gang of bandits called The Rooks trying to collect unusual creatures just like Auggie’s employer, the elusive Professor Cake. I’m guessing we will continue to see The Rooks in further Fabled Stables stories.

This book is full of magic and fun language like “hurly-burly hour”. I really appreciate when an author can weave in these long lost phrases and moments into a story while still making the story feel fresh and new. It adds to the mystery and magic all around the little island. Young readers will be captivated by Auggie, Miss Bundt, Fen and especially all the one-of-a-kind creatures who live in the Fabled Stables. Fans of books like The Princess in Black will be hooked!

The illustrations by Olga Demidova completely bring the little island and the creatures of the fabled stable to life! There is colour and big bold illustrations on each page, moving the story along, keeping it fun and interesting and creating a world readers will want to revisit again and again.