The Land of Stories The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer illustrated by Brandon Dorman*

Twins, Alex and Conner, are dealing with their beloved father's death.  When their grandmother gives them a treasured story book for their birthday, they discover it is a portal into another world-the fairy tale stories world!  As the children explore the fairy tale land, they discover that the stories' endings are a bit different!  Adventures and captivity abound.  Their senses of humor (especially Conner's) and quick thinking keep them alive.
Surprises wait the twins and the reader.
We listened to this story on CD.  We all thoroughly enjoyed it.  The plot is superb and very creative.
*Highly recommend.
*In writing we are currently learning how it is necessary to replace the word "said" with more descriptive verbs.  Well, this book is overflowing with the word "said".  It became quite irritating to hear it repeated so many times!!
I also thought Mr. Colfer was a bland narrator and his cadence was flat.  Although, certain characters he brought to life with interesting voices.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: "son of a witch"; Red Riding Hood is attracted to Jack and is quite descriptive in her love for him.