Billy Bones: The Road to Nevermore

by: Christopher Lincoln

Published by: Little, Brown and Company

Reviewed by Shawn Remfrey

After being turned into a skeleton once, Billy Bones knows a thing or two about them. Now a little boy again, he and his cousin Millicent long for an adventure. When Uncle Grim and Millicent are kidnapped and taken to Nevermore, Billy winds up with more adventure than most people can handle. With a little help along the way, Billy has to find a way to save both worlds. Can he do it in time to save Uncle Grim and Cousin Millicent?

Fun is the only word to describe the world Lincoln has painted for us. Where else can you find a skeletal uncle dressed up like a woman in order to flirt with a soldier and get you through the narrow gates to the most evil place imaginable? Every family has skeletons in their closet, but in this world, these skeletons are the secret keepers of each family, and they are more clerks than anything else. Currency is gold coins, which are actually wishes.

The world of Billy Bones is imaginative, witty, and compelling. You never know exactly what is going to pop up around the corner, but you do know that it will be like nothing you’ve seen before.

Being a children’s book, you have to take a look at what values are instilled. Is this just a fun read or will my child learn something from it? I found myself quite happy with the moral content of this book. Billy is a ten-year-old boy who is a hero, as well as a normal child. He’s exciting because he lived on the other side for 25 years as a skeleton, but now he’s a normal boy with the same hopes and fears as any other. Throughout the story, you watch Billy as he takes incredible risks and overcomes great fear in order to save his families on both sides of reality.

Can’t get enough Billy? Lincoln’s website has several fun activities for children and adults.

Armchair Interviews says: Fun story with a good message.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ChrisLincoln.org