Synopsis: A troll lies in wait beneath a bridge; the Grail rises in a charity shop; a young boy, raised by the dead, tries to help a restless spirit; a cat suffers nightly punishment to protect the family it has adopted; and Humpty Dumpty takes the fall. It’s either a very bad day in Fabletown, or a new collection of short stories from Neil Gaiman. * It’s the latter, by the way. In case you weren’t sure.

Review: M is for Magic is a new collection of short stories, but readers – especially long-standing Gaiman fans – should be aware that this does not mean that it is a collection of new short stories. All of these stories have previously appeared in earlier collections, anthologies or periodicals. This is not a collection for long-standing Gaiman fans, however. M is for Magic is explicitly intended as a selection of Gaiman’s writing for younger readers. 

Gaiman is a variable writer in every sense. His work ranges from the madly whimsical to the decidedly creepy. Some is deliberately aimed at children, some is strictly for adults, and much hovers in between the two extremes. In terms of quality his writing ranges from merely interesting to excellent.

M is for Magic contains stories in a range of styles, all suitable for older children and all among Gaiman’s best work. In general, the book is aimed at readers in KS3, but although some of the stories are quite sinister, only two – 'Troll Bridge' for its language and mature themes, and 'How to Talk to Girls at Parties' for sexual themes – would be unsuitable for older KS2 readers.

While little more than a curiosity in the wider sphere of Gaiman’s canon, M is for Magic is a splendid introduction to his work for younger readers. The stories in the book are strong examples of the short form, with 'Chivalry', 'Don’t Ask Jack' and 'The Witch’s Headstone' being particular standouts.

2008-03-01