Saint Philomene’s Infirmary for Magical Creatures

While digging in his Texas backyard, 12-year-old Chance Jeopard discovers (and punctures) a large ceramic pipe; inside, he finds a mysterious and important-seeming letter, then ventures into the pipe to deliver it. Chance’s journey lands him in the mail-sorting room of Saint Philomene’s Infirmary for Magical Creatures, an enormous subterranean hospital where supernatural creatures “could go if their bodies were being eaten by disease or their minds by melancholy or their population by viruses.” (Humans, however, are decidedly unwelcome.) After realizing Chance is missing, his scientifically minded older sister, Pauline, follows him; thanks to a magical fulgurite (fused from a lightning strike) that allows for telepathic communication, Pauline’s best friend Mersey assists the siblings from the world above as they uncover a plot to destroy the infirmary. Debut author Cotter’s third-person narration darts nimbly among Chance, Pauline, Mersey, and other characters, spinning a suspenseful and humorous adventure that will keep readers entertained throughout. An irreverent appendix adds to the fun, highlighting details about demons, fauxgres, harrow-teaguers, and dozens of other creatures that feature in this wholly enjoyable tale. Ages 10–14. Agent: Adam Eaglin, Cheney Agency. (Jan.)