Kokopelli & Company in Attack of the Smart Pies

Synopsis

"In this inventive novel that mixes fantasy, humor, horror, and mystery, Emma, a 12-year-old orphan, runs away from her foster father, Darien Drinkwater, when he suddenly becomes hostile following the death of her foster mother. At a local mall, she meets Feather, the Muse of Plants. When he returns home to Kokonino County, the land of the New Muses, Emma follows him. Feather reassures her that the Muses will help her, and they do. With "Intelligent Air" computers, they can observe and influence unsuspecting people on Earth. Meanwhile, Kokopelli, the Muse of Tunes and Tricks, has been trying to hit Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, with pies that are programmed for greater and greater accuracy. While these escapades are amusing, the real story of interest has to do with Drinkwater's role in Emma's parents' death and his intentions regarding her inheritance. The Muses return Emma to human civilization, Drinkwater is apprehended, and the girl goes to live with her teacher, who turns out to be a long-lost cousin. The cartoonlike spot illustrations will appeal to children, including reluctant readers. The book has a lot to offer, and the characters have distinct personalities.–Heather Ver Voort, Washington West Elementary, Olean, NY, School Library Journal.