Synopses & Reviews
Trapped in a toy store? Sounds like a mission for four furry friends.
Bertie, Susan, and the Misfit MenagerieSmalls the sun bear, Rigby the Komondor dog, and Wombat the wombathave at long last escaped from evil Grand Master Claudes Most Magnificent Circus and are finally free to live life at their leisure. But theres something missing. Something thats keeping them from moving on. Or rather, someone. Tilda the Angora rabbitand fourth member of the Misfit Menagerieis being held captive at Toddles Toy Emporium, a massive toy store more impressive than even F.A.O. Schwarz.
Now Bertie, Smalls, and the gangincluding a sword-wielding hedgehogmust embark on a quest to rescue their kidnapped friend, braving the mean streets of Hollyhoo City and the bratty Chrysantheum Toddle. Its a journey that will take them over an actual clay rainbow, force them to hide among stuffed animals in a life-like jungle, and lead them to soar above the ground in a hot-air balloonall big tasks for animals who only recently saw that there was a world outside of Mr. Mumfords farm. But if theyre valiant enough, they just might reunite the menagerie and find themselves a new home.
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“Rife with snappy asides and clever but never heavy-handed.”
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* “Readers will revel in the detailed descriptions of mouse-sized joys, woes, and love connections.”
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* “Is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not…Whimsical language, sure characterization, unflagging adventure, even romance.”
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* “The rodent world meets Upstairs, Downstairs in this rollicking comedy of manners that begs to be read aloud.”
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“By turns poignant and playful, engaging and exciting, and with a touch of romance, the story will have great appeal for the audience.”
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“The fast-paced story is peppered with the author’s characteristic sly wit and is pure fun.”
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“Readers who like their animals cute, their history entertaining, and their endings happy will find full satisfaction here.”
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“Mr. Peck, a master at blending memorable characters, humor, history, and page-turning stories, is in top form here.”
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“Peck’s eye for family dynamics is excellent.” Chicago Tribune
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Essential Books for Kids and Teens Common Sense Media
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Praise for The Daring Escape of the Misfit Menagerie:
"I forgot about the real world when I got caught up in the charming world of the Most Magnificent Circus.” —Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of The Genius Files
“A wild and wonderful circus ride. . . . I took to The Daring Escape of the Misfit Menagerie like a bear to honey. Young readers will eat it up!” —Tor Seidler, author of The Wainscott Weasel, an ALA Notable Book; Mean Margaret, a finalist for the National Book Award; and more
“With a cruel guardian worthy of Rowling, Snicket, or Dahl, and animal friends as endearing as E.B. Whites, Resnicks debut melted my heart.” —Suzanne LaFleur, author of Eight Keys and Love, Aubrey
“Resnicks warmhearted debut . . . sets a lively pace and draws tender characterizations.” —Publishers Weekly
"Appeal[s] to readers who enjoy their protagonists on the furry side." --School Library Journal
"The distinctive and engaging animal characters will draw readers in and have them rooting for a succesful escape from the awful circus." --Booklist
“A good old-fashioned story.” —Kirkus Reviews
"A heartwarming, old-fashioned tale full of charm and daring friendships." --Library Media Connection
Synopsis
In the beloved tradition of
The Borrowers,
The Tale of Desperaux, and
The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.
Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!
Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.
Synopsis
The adorable tale of a family of mice stowaways on an adventurous ship's journey
In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story about the tiny creatures who secretly live among us humans, as only Newbery Medal winner Richard Peck could imagine it. Set on a grand cruise ship to England in 1887, this beautifully illustrated tale of a charming family of mice is full of laughs, near misses, and surprises. Multiple-award-winning author Richard Peck at his best and most playful!
About the Author
Richard Peck has written more than thirty novels, and in the process has become one of the countrys most highly respected writers for children. In fact
The Washington Post called him Americas best living author for young adults.” A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle-graders as well as young adults for his historical and contemporary comedies and coming-of-age novels. He lives in New York City, and spends a great deal of time traveling around the country to speaking engagements at conferences, schools, and libraries.
Mr. Peck is the first childrens book author to have received a National Humanities Medal. He is a Newbery Medal winner (for A Year Down Yonder), a Newbery Honor winner (for A Long Way from Chicago), a two-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Edgar Award winner. In addition, he has won a number of major honors for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi.