Perloo the Bold [Abridged] [Audio Cassette]

Avi (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Newbery Medalist Avi presents a most unlikely hero in this compelling fantasy. Now repackaged with a great new look.

A scholarly, shy member of the rabbit-like Montmers, Perloo is content sipping myrtle tea and reading his history books in his warm burrow. Until the day Perloo's quiet life is interrupted by a mysterious summons from the Montmer leader. What follows is an incredible journey that will take Perloo over snowy mountains, through underground tunnels, and into enemy territory - and will alter history forever.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

MontmersAa combination of jackrabbit, prairie dog and humanAfeature in a fantasy/adventure; in a starred review, PW called it "exciting, suspenseful and witty." Ages 8-12. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Recorded Books; Abridged edition (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0788735268
• ISBN-13: 978-0788735264
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,953,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Avi has published more than sixty books. Among them is Crispin: The Cross of Lead, winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal. Other novels with nineteenth-century settings, like The Traitors' Gate -- his grand nod to the work of Charles Dickens -- are listed before the title page, and include the Newbery Honor Book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Avi and his family live in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perloo the Bold, January 8, 2000

By 

Charla McKenna (Camino, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perloo The Bold (Hardcover)

Perloo the Bold is a wonderful read-aloud! I'm a 4th grade teacher, and this book has my students on the edge of their chairs. For many of my students, this is their first experience with this type of fantasy. The idea of a different world with unfamiliar creatures was difficult for some to grasp at the beginning, but now they can hardly wait for the next reading, and don't want me to stop! Perloo is an endearing, reluctant hero. I really love the fact that he diverts a war without bloodshed. Perloo is true to himself and a wonderful sense of integrity that is very refreshing. "Perloo the Brave" left me wanting to read more about his adventures. This book was complex and creative enough to hold an adult's attention, and understandable enough to engage children. I highly recommend this enjoyable book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My students loved it ..., June 23, 2000

By 

Rex Quon Do (Farmington, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perloo The Bold (Paperback)

Once again, Avi has woven a tale rich in characters, action, and cliffhangers. I'm a teacher and I like to give my students choices in their reading. Perloo was a very popular choice and all 35 copies that I had on hand went quickly. Most (if not all) of the students enjoyed Perloo. I found that students who normally don't like to read were engrossed in this story. Overall, Perloo was a big hit! Enjoy!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read Aloud, January 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Perloo The Bold (Hardcover)

I am a librarian in the small town of Parachute, Colorado. I have story time every Tuesday and Thursday. Perloo has turned out to be a story loved by 2nd-5th graders. We discuss vocabulary before each reading and settle in to a great escape in the land of Montmers and Felberts. Avi is a master storyteller who draws a picture in your mind. A great fantasy shared by all ages. [e-mail]