Peter Nimble & his Fantastic Eyes / Jonathan Auxier / 381 pages

This is Auxier's debut novel for children and it's a fantastic read. It's a fantasy with a vast array of interesting characters (from a blind boy who is the greatest thief in the world to talking fish, apes, ravens, a man-horse-cat creature and a very evil villain) who grow beyond their self-image and embark on amazing adventures involving heroic deeds and creative gambits. Peter Nimble begins his life as a baby whose eyes have been plucked out by a raven & is discovered floating in a reed basket by some sailors. He is named Peter Nimble by the town officials who mash up some nursery rhymes and throw him out on the streets to survive on his own. Peter is discovered by a Fagan type character who teaches him how to be the greatest thief in the world. In the end he discovers who he really is as he uses 3 sets of fantastic eyes made of gold, onyx and emerald to complete his mission of discovering the Vanished Kingdom. This is the type of children's book that could have a subtle but great impact on its readers. It would be a fantastic book discussion group selection.