Forgive Us Our Travises

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

Each of these Northern Light Young Novels is written from the
perspective of a different child living in the small town of Hope
Springs. The books share a similar theme of children getting into
conflict with each other and ultimately resolving that conflict.

Forgive Us Our Travises is an inside look at the workings of a
troublemaker’s mind. Travis is always playing practical jokes and
getting into trouble. His antics annoy children and adults alike.
However, Travis has some hidden talents and a good heart, and this is
revealed when he discovers a friend who is as crafty as he is.

Lindsay, the narrator of The Monkey Mountain Monster, is trying to
navigate new relationships, and her best friend’s friend, Mona, is not
easy to get along with. Mona says there is an Ooly Gooly monster capable
of abducting small children lurking about. The kids believe her and
Lindsay must meet her dare to sleep out over night. Overcoming her
fears, Lindsay takes on the challenge and learns that she is capable and
independent, and that she can depend on her family to support her.

In Two False Moves, Nick is resentful of Lindsay, who seems to have
everything going for her. The rivalry between them escalates when it
appears likely that Lindsay’s parents will buy Nick’s house and Nick
will have to move. When Nick learns that Lindsay doesn’t want to move
either, and that she isn’t as fortunate as she seems, there is a
chance for both kids to find common ground. As their conflict is
resolved, Nick sees the upcoming changes in his life in a more positive
way.

Ted Staunton does visual comedy extremely well. Such scenes as the egg
gag in the church, the kids flooding the basement, and the skunks in the
tent are very effective. Humor is a great vehicle for expressing the
messages of understanding, fairness, and good will that the stories
ultimately teach.

Two False Moves is recommended. Since The Monkey Mountain Monster and
Forgive Us Our Travises lack the necessary suspense to keep the reader
interested, both books are recommended with reservations.