Reviews

MontmersÄa combination of jackrabbit, prairie dog and humanÄfeature in a fantasy/adventure; in a starred review, PW called it "exciting, suspenseful and witty." Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Gr 3-6-Perloo, a studious unadventurous Montmer (rabbit-like creature) reluctantly responds to a summons from Jolaine, the Montmer "granter," and finds himself plunged into political intrigue and adventure. Jolaine's oafish son, Berwig, aided by various unsavory advisors, tries to prevent the meeting. When Jolaine dies after proclaiming Perloo the next granter, Berwig arrests Perloo and accuses him of murdering her. Fleeing for his life, Perloo accidentally enters the territory of the ancient Montmer enemy, the Felbarts. He finds that they are very much like the Montmers and equally deluded as to the nature of their traditional enemy. Eventually Perloo establishes peace between the two groups, Berwig gets his comeuppance, and Perloo solves the problem of how to lead, when he is not at heart a leader, by declaring that henceforward Montmers will rule themselves in a sort of democracy. Avi's story (Scholastic, 1998) offers plenty of action from beginning to end. Listeners will be drawn in by the exciting plot, but will appreciate the wit and political satire as well. Both male and female characters are deftly drawn with heroes and villains represented in both genders. Narrator John McDonough does an excellent job of giving the characters aural life. McDonough, at his best as a reader in fantasies of this type, enters fully into the spirit of the story without being overly dramatic. His relaxed pace is leisurely enough for reading along and perfect for listening in large groups or individually. Technical quality is excellent. School and public libraries will find this a worthy addition to their audiobook collections.-Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.