Shelby and Shauna Kitt are kids with special abilities and an abundance of “positive energy.” It is this unique energy that makes them the most suitable people on the planet to save not only our world but also the parallel world of Miriax from the Klodians who inhabit a third parallel world. Dimensional holes have opened between Miriax and Earth, and between Earth and Klodius. They must be closed and Shelby and Shauna are called on to help. These young heroes are engaging and likeable. The adult characters may sometimes seem childish or simplistic to older readers but I think younger readers would find them believable.
This wonderfully imaginative book is sure to appeal to Middle Grade readers. It’s a bit Little Prince, a bit Wizard of Oz, a bit Alice in Wonderland and a lot of fun. What I like especially are the lighthearted tone and positive mood that are carried throughout the book. The plot is strong enough to carry your interest and the tone is just silly enough that you know not to take it too seriously. This combination makes for a very enjoyable reading experience.
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P.H.C. Marchesi’s Shelby and Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes took me on an adventure I did not expect. Shelby and Shauna are hand-picked by the Vice Consul of Miriax, named Lendox, to help save Earth and Miriax from total destruction at the hands of the Klodians. Along the way, the twins receive training in a military fort, learn they have “super powers”, and explore the world of Miriax. The greatest aspect of this book is P.H.C. Marchesi’s excellent world building, and Miriax really can only be described as epic! It’s a planet where stick bug creatures patrol the jungles and bat-like creatures are able to communicate telepathically. The walls can grow to increase the holding capacity of buildings, and the walls have a tendency to eat left over food. Instead of choosing books to read, the books choose the reader. But, I’ll stop there because learning about the alien world is half the fun of the book!

The book was also filled with an array of interesting characters. The young heroes all have unique gifts and “super powers”, but they also have weaknesses, which young readers can relate to. For example, Shelby has to learn how to control his quick temper, and Shauna has to learn how to overcome her shyness. Adults, who seem to be largely absent in most books meant for the younger generation, actually play an integral role in the story too. Vice Consul, Lendox, and tech-savvy Earthling, Marina, offer guidance and support for Shelby and Shauna as they tackle the Klodians and their own insecurities. The most intriguing character though, is the ever mysterious Dale. He was the most complex character in the book, and he kept me guessing all the way through. Good? Bad? Sociopath?

I thought the only weakness of Shelby and Shauna Kitt was the pacing. It takes about half of the book for the children to make it to Miriax. And, the battle against the Klodians, which the twins spent half the book learning about and training for, occurs in only one chapter. It left me thinking That was it?

Overall, I did enjoy this book. Despite the awkward pacing, the world building, the characters, and the twist at the end make this book a worthwhile read. ( )

Not a bad read for tweens. Good action and adventure about brother and sister trying to save the world from aliens. Nice way to spend an afternoon in the sun and if your kids like to read then this is a good one to pass on. My !0 year old nephew who doesn't really like to read got through it under a week and did a book report on it he liked it so much. Good Job!!! well worth the price ( )

This is a story about saving the galaxy, which is nine parts whimsy and wonder and one part fighting evil. Two seemingly ordinary kids end up on another planet with some other children and meet some interesting aliens, before saving the galaxy of course. By the time the plot reaches the point where loose ends are being tied up you realise that quite a lot has gone on, as this is quite a long book for children. The pace is pretty brisk though, so it doesn't drag. Some parts are a bit contrived and there are some dead ends, but I think no-one will mind because the plot is so engaging. It will be interesting to see what my children make of it. ( )