CAVE OF THE DARK WIND: A Never Land Book
by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
illustrated by Greg Call
Disney Editions/Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN-10: 078683790X
ISBN-13: 9780786837908
Ages 7-10
176 pages

The Lost Boys, Little Scallop and her older sister Shining Pearl are spending another idyllic day in Never Land. After unsuccessfully trying to race snakes, the Lost Boys quickly become bored and seek other ways of passing the time until Peter Pan returns home from his visit in London. When Thomas suggests exploring a hill above the Mollusk village, Shining Pearl reveals this would be a bad idea. Near the Goat Meadow is a cave that they are forbidden to go near, for it is the home of the Goat Taker.

Several years ago, when goats began to go missing and all that was left behind was a bloody trail leading to a dark cave, the Mollusk tribe decided to find out who or what the Goat Taker was. However, when the venture yielded unfortunate results, the chief deemed the place too dangerous. Now, once a month, a goat is left tethered near the cave --- dubbed the Cave of the Dark Wind --- in order to prevent the Goat Taker from nabbing more than just goats.

This dark possibility doesn’t deter James, the leader of the Lost Boys, from wanting to explore the cave, much to the sisters’ disappointment. Reluctantly, Shining Pearl decides to join the boys in their exploration of the Cave of the Dark Wind. They get more than they bargained for, however, when James makes a surprising discovery, and the Pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Hook, decide to go on an expedition of their own in hopes of finding legendary treasure. Will the Lost Boys solve this mystery, or will they be captured by pirates?

Despite being the second book in Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s series, CAVE OF THE DARK WIND is a great adventure story worth reading as a stand-alone. Mystery, humor and exciting action will entice young people to keep turning the pages as they follow Shining Pearl and her friends (along with foes) on their latest adventure on the magical island of Never Land.

   --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

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