Perma-Bound

"The thing to know about Bessons mediocre fantasy series, so far comprising Arthur and the Minimoys (2005) and this sequel, is that their author (who directed the film The Fifth Element, among others) is currently producing an animated version of his Arthur novels narrated by celebrities such as Madonna and Snoop Dogg. The first volume brought Arthur to the underground world of the tiny Minimoys. Book two continues as Arthur helps prissy Princess Selenia reach evil Matazards lair. In a development that jibes poorly with Arthurs age, the 10-year-old finds himself joined to the princess in holy matrimony after a ceremonial kiss. Story threads involving Arthurs missing grandfather and a cache of rubies are brought to brisk, if predictable, conclusions. The trouble here is not so much the derivative plot as it is stock characterizations and awkward writing, perhaps a result of the translation from the French. But considering the probable high profile of the film version, tentatively planned for 2006, there will likely be requests for this." Gr 4-6-This sequel to Besson's Arthur and the Minimoys (HarperCollins, 2005) continues the story of a boy who, in search of his missing grandfather lost while exploring in Africa, found himself shrunken to a half-inch tall. Arthur was caught up in an adventure with the Minimoys, a tiny race of people inhabiting his grandmother's garden. Here, Arthur journeys with the Minimoy Princess Selenia and her brother Betameche in search of the forbidden city of Necropolis, home of the villainous wizard Maltazard. They must make their way past sticky spider webs and Maltazard's threatening henchmen, and Arthur falls in love with Selenia. The author, a well-known film director, has not succeeded so well as a children's book author. The plot is weak and muddled. The prose-admittedly a translation-is filled with pronouncements laden with exclamation points and attempts at humor that weigh down the story. Readers also meet Arthur's parents, who act in buffoonish and inappropriate ways as they search for him. Arthur, in love, behaves as if he has at least passed puberty, although he's only supposed to be 10. He even marries Princess Selenia-wh is alternately charming and annoying-fairly early in the story. Besson, however, plans to turn this weak tale into an animated adventure in 2006 that will feature Madonna as the voice of Princess Selenia. So beware, all those who decide to skip Forbidden City.-Walter Minkel, New York Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.