(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Every castle has its mysteries, but none more so than Castle Glower. Every Tuesday, the structure surprises its occupants by making some kind of change - it might add a new suite of rooms, subtract a turret, or move a staircase to a whole different wing. The constant change drives some people crazy. Not Princess Celie. She loves the playful nature of her home. No one else can keep up with its weekly madness the way she can. Everyone says it's because Celie is the castle's favorite. It's true that she can feel the thrum of its happy, ancient magic just by pressing her hand against the castle's stone walls and the place does seem to have a fondness for its youngest resident.

Celie doesn't realize just how protective the castle is of her family until her parents go missing. Left on their own, the three Glower children must decide what to do next. If their father is truly dead, 14-year-old Rolf will take the throne. He doesn't want it - not yet, anyway - and even the castle seems hesitant to approve the change. In the meantime, it's up to Celie, Rolf and their older sister, Lilah, to defend their kingdom against would-be invaders, find out what really happened to their parents, and keep themselves from getting thrown in the dungeon in the process. Thankfully, they have Castle Glower on their side. But when an opposing ruler brings in his own ancient magic, Celie feels the castle weakening. Without its help and protection, what possible chance do she and her siblings have of saving the kingdom? Armed only with their own cleverness, the Glower kids must find a way to save their home, their family and their people - before it's too late.

Tuesdays at the Castle, the newest middle grade fantasy from popular children's author Jessica Day George, is just as fun and magical as it sounds. With humor, originality and lighthearted prose, it's simply an enjoyable read. I bought the book for my 9-year-old daughter as a Christmas present, but I loved the story just as much as she did. If my boys could get over the princess thing long enough to give Tuesdays at the Castle a chance, I think they would really enjoy it, too. It's that appealing. Definitely don't wait until next Christmas to buy yourself your kids a copy.

Grade: B+