Grayling doesn't want to be a hero, but to save her mother from a dark enchantment, she seeks out the few second-string magic makers who haven't been immobilized by the spell and goes off in search of her mother's grimoire, or book of magic. Obstacles both natural and supernatural block their way, and friction within the group delays the journey. Surprising herself, Grayling finds the strength and decisiveness to move the group forward and reach her goal. Eccentric witches and wizards plus a shape-shifting mouse provide moments of high comedy, as do odd practices that date back to the Middle Ages, such as divination with cheese.    Gr 3-6-Grayling's mother, a healer and wise woman, is turning into a tree, and Grayling is the only one who can save her. It all started when a shadow attacked and burned their cottage, stole their grimoire, and rooted her mother into the ground. Sent with only a basket of spells and her mother's powerful songs, Grayling must find a way to stop the shadow. Rich in details that bring to life the magical woodland setting, Cushman's latest novel is full of adventure and clever characters. Readers are also introduced to memorable secondary characters, including a shape-shifting mouse, a radiant enchantress, and a wizard who uses cheese to tell the future, each of whom finds their way to Grayling through her enchanted song. VERDICT Young fans of magic will revel in delving into this new world with its cast of unique characters.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. * "The eventual revelation of just who unleashed the destructive power manages to be simultaneously unexpected, plausible, and thought-provoking. Despite her self-doubt, Grayling is cut from the same cloth as the author's other sturdy heroines, but she is also an entirely original and endearing character that readers will cheer on as she seeks to save her mother and return her world to rights." —Kirkus, STARRED review "The language gives the book the atmospheric flavor of historical fiction, and the land itself is wild and mysterious, exactly the type of place where magic could happen, children could wander around trying to fix the world, and tiny mice could shapeshift into mighty protectors if fed the right potion. Cushman offers a complete story with clear resolutions, a memorably complex villain, and a sweet protagonist who becomes far more than background by the end; fantasy buffs and Cushman fans alike will be well pleased." —Bulletin "Young fans of magic will revel in delving into this new world with its cast of unique characters." — School Library Journal "Like all Karen Cushman's gorgeous novels, Grayling's Song delves into the past to let us know what we must ask of our future. I want Cushman's books to raise my children for me: that way I can be assured they'll grow up witty, vastly knowledgeable, and tough as nails." —Lena Dunham ( Girls ) “In this world, magic is commonplace but no less enchanting. This adventure story has the feel of a classic fable, and Cushman’s writing brims with grace and warmth.” —BookPage "Anyone who has a fondness for fantasy or medieval historical fiction will love this book. Author Karen Cushman delivers a refreshing spin on magic that any aspiring witch or wizard will appreciate."  —TIME for Kids, Kid Reporter Karen Cushman 's acclaimed historical novels include Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife's Apprentice , which received the Newbery Medal. She lives on Vashon Island in Washington State. Visit her online at karencushman.com and on Twitter @cushmanbooks. I The mist hung low in the valley between the forest and the town. It dangled from tree branches like stockings on a washing line and curled around Grayling's head as she weeded and hoed and raked, readying the herb garden for its winter rest. When her basket was filled'angelica and agrimony, rosemary and the remains of the dill'she put her shoes on again, for she had been gathering the last of the summer herbs with her feet bare, as was proper. She stood still for a moment, letting mist settle on her shoulders like a damp cloak, and listened to the quiet.      Finally, picking up the basket, she headed home. The steeply roofed cottage of wattle and yellow-tinted daub sat in a bit of a clearing, shaded by an ancient apple tree. Its round-topped door of rowan wood was crisscrossed by iron bands against the evil designs of demons, ghosts, and ill-wishers of all sorts. Brass bells hung from the eaves, a swag of hazel rods and garlic festooned the little window, and smoke poured from the smoke hole in the roof. Grayling smiled to see it, as she always did. Despite her mother's endless tasks, the cottage meant comfort, safety, seclusion.      The day was mild enough for them to have the window open. Grayling could hear her mother singing while she crushed dr