This weekend, I was glued to the book "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu. I had heard so much about this book that I finally decided to pick it up from the public library. I wasn't disappointed! "Breadcrumbs" tells the story of Hazel and Jack, 5th graders who are neighbors and best friends. Hazel has always been a little different from other children, but in her artsy private school, it didn't matter. After her parents' divorce, though, money becomes tight and she has to go to a public school with lots of rules. Feeling increasingly isolated, Hazel clings to her friendship with Jack, until one day, he gets a magic piece of glass in his eye which turns him against her. This is where the fantasy in the book takes off. Jack decides to leave home and go into the woods with a beautiful, but evil ice queen. Only Hazel has the courage to follow him and try to save him.

This book is beautifully written and the illustrations are gorgeous! While you read, see if you notice the references to other fantasy books like the Narnia series (there are many!).

Here are some of the beautiful illustrations from artist Erin McGuire: