An engaging blend of romance, suspense and parody, this fantasy is well-nigh irresistible. While the themes about tyranny and heroism are timeless, Avi leavens his treatment with such 20th-century touches as Poppy's jive-talking boyfriend and Poppy's own romantic vision of herself as Ginger Rogers. To prove that the intimidating ruler is really a phony, Poppy embarks on a dangerous and eye-opening quest, which ends with her one-on-one battle with Ocax. As ruler of Dimwood Forest, Ocax the hoot owl has promised to protect the mice occupying an abandoned farmhouse as long as they ask permission before "moving about." Poppy, a timid dormouse, is a loyal, obedient subject-until she sees Ocax devour her fiance and hears the owl deny her father's request to seek new living quarters. Newbery Honor author Avi turns out another winner with this fanciful tale featuring a cast of woodland creatures. An excellent choice for reading alone or reading aloud. Ocax, who cleverly coaxes, rules by fear, and despises those he oppresses Poppy's father, who threatens dire consequences because he is fearful but has little substance behind his bluster and Ragweed, who puts down Poppy for her cautious ways, choosing to deny fear entirely and consequently dying in Chapter 1. Older children may recognize the politics of power played out through the three figures who initially dominate Poppy: Mr. As a novel of character, it convincingly portrays growth as Poppy faces her fears and finds her way. As an adventure story, the book combines action, suspense, and humor. Poppy soon finds her own way from cowardice to courage when she sets out on a quest to find her family a new home. Ocax pounces on Ragweed, killing him instantly. Poppy listens to Ragweed's goading about her fearful submissiveness, then watches in horror as Mr.
Although warned by her officious father not to leave home without the owl's permission, Poppy sneaks out one night with her boyfriend, Ragweed. Ocax, and, in exchange, he has promised to protect them from porcupines, animals that the mice know only from the owl's alarming description. Ocax the owl rules the territory where Poppy, a young deer mouse, lives with her large, extended family. Winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for FictionĪn American Library Association Notable Children's Book selectionĪ School Library Journal Best Book of the YearĪ good old-fashioned story with an exciting plot, well-drawn characters, and a satisfying ending, Avi's latest novel will please readers on many levels. Purchase: IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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