The Hotel Balzaar (A Norendy Tale #2)

While white-cued Marta Buchelli’s mother works as a maid in the Hotel Balzaar, Marta ponders the art in the hotel’s once grand lobby, yearns for her soldier father’s return, and stays out of sight and quiet as a mouse. Despite her efforts, she is noticed by a countess accompanied by green-feathered parrot Blitzkoff (“once a man who was a very great general”). The countess invites Marta to her room, where the adult regales the child with seven tales that contain details and phrases that spark recognition in Marta. Some of the stories seem to be about the countess herself, while others recount Blitzkoff’s apparent past as a circus performer; all pay reverence to the power of light to turn the world “into a mellow, forgiving place,” reminding Marta of the words in her father’s last letter: “Tell me where you see the light seep through.” In this follow-up to The Puppets of Spelhorst, DiCamillo showcases the capacity for storytelling to soothe and inspire hope in a pithy, nuanced tale peppered with gentle humor and enduring grace. Striking illustrations by Sardà (Godfather Death) recall woodcutting and elegant art deco line art. Ages 7–10. (Oct.)