The Velvet Fox by Catherine Fisher
Published by Walker Books US on November 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536214922
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In the second book of the Clockwork Crow series, “The Velvet Fox” the battle continues between Tylwyth Teg, a magical kingdom of Welsh fairy folk, and Seren Rhys, now adopted daughter of Captain Jones and Lady Mair. In the first book, Seren Rhys had rescued young Tomos Jones from the Tylwyth Teg, helped with the worn Clockwork Crow embodied by a human alchemist imprisoned by a spell. One autumn day, Tomos boasts that he would never be captured by the fairies again.

Before they know it, a strange, new governess, Miss Honeybourne, takes up residence at Plas-Y-Fran. Nothing is the same. All the members of the household except Seren Rhys are put under Miss Honeybourne’s spell. Young Tomos sits in a trance in front of a magical toy carousel that he was given on his birthday. Who is really controlling Plas-Y-Fran? Miss Honeybourne or someone more sinister?

When Seren Rhys writes a note with the magical feather quill of the Clockwork Crow. Will the Clockwork Crow come to help her save Plas-Y-Fran? And who is the Velvet Fox?

These endearing characters are perfect for children who love magical fantasy. The age-old theme of good vs. evil is the central element of this story.

Appropriate for children ages 8 and up.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library