Evil Wizard

I was a big fan of the Choose Your Own Adventure books for older readers when I was in elementary school, and so when I came across the younger reader's version in a thrift store I thought my children might enjoy them when they began reading. I undershot a bit, as my daughter, 4, immediately demanded a reading. And another. And another. Thrilled by the ability to play a part in the outcome, and excited by the edgy characters, she has already developed a shining to these books. Of the two we currently own, The Evil Wizard is probably her favorite. The time period gives the book a classic fairy tale good vs. evil feel. With 13 different endings, there are enough choices to keep her entertained, although the surprise factor was quickly exhausted by her insatiable need to read these over and over. Basically, you and a friend are at a festival discussing why the woods are called Wizard Woods when an ice storm suddenly descends - in the middle of summer, no less. Do you learn wizardry and use the wizard's spells against him? Do you try to smash his crystal ball? Do you whisper the secret words passed to you by a kindly old woman over the wizard's sleeping body? Will you become his slave? Be locked forever in ice? Will you save the town from his evil power? It's sort of cheesy no doubt, and like I said, pretty mediocre writing. It's sort of like junk-food-reading, but hey - it's not television. I think the 9-12 age range is a little old, and would put this at more a 6-9 years level. It doesn't exactly seem too advanced for my 4 year old. One of the nice things about these watered down younger versions is that they are quite 'safe.' No scary nightmare-inducing happenings, no graphic death endings. They're pretty tame. If you're collecting the Skylark variation of CYOA, I think this one is definitely worth adding. For the most part it's a fun little read.