Elf Dog and Owl Head is a lovely new middle grade fantasy novel by acclaimed author M.T. Anderson that quietly alludes to the Covid pandemic in a very subtle way. Our main character, Clay O’Brian is stuck at home in quarantine with his family due to a “global pandemic”. Tired of fighting with his sisters over the computer, hearing his parents worry about money and only seeing his best friend on video chats, he escapes into the woods near his house. There he finds a beautiful young white dog with red ears and a bejeweled collar named Elphinore. That meeting draws him into a magical world in, around and under the woods and mountain. Eventually his sisters are drawn into this world as well, and the young humans befriend Amos, the owl boy, and Vud the ancient giant among others. They are chased by horrible creatures like wyrms, and the bad People Under the Mountain (where Elphinore came from), but also partake of the magical Midsommers Eve festival. The black and white illustrations by Junyi Wu are both creepy and beautiful, and really add another dimension to the story. Family, adventure, friendship, resilience and empathy are the main themes throughout. This book would appeal to any reader looking for something a little bit different.

Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School, York