PERLOO THE BOLD

Those who love a hapless, reluctant hero, with more wisdom than he may ever recognize in himself, will find their penultimate champion in Perloo, a member of the long-lived Montmers, a sophisticated race of jackrabbit-like mammals. John McDonough's slow, deliberate narration is the perfect match for this tale of trying times, gallantry, and diffident heroism. His subtle characterizations come in the form of pause, inflection, and pacing, rather than more extreme vocal intonations. The urgency of Perloo's situation, when he's called to assume the position of "granter" for his race, will hold readers rapt. Torn between a chance for glory and a longing to crawl back to his burrow and curl up with a good book of history and a cup of tea with honey, Perloo will charm both fantasy and adventure-loving children alike. T.B. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]