The Wainscott Weasel [Hardcover]

Tor Seidler (Author), Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)

Book Description

The most extraordinary of all the weasels around seaside Wainscott is Bagley, who becomes mesmerized by Bridget, a fish outside his den. Only a true hero can save Bridget from the gruesome death that awaits her--and to Bagley's surprise, that's exactly what he is. From the author and the illustrator of A Rat's Tale, another "feast for fantasy-lovers."--Kirkus Reviews.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author and illustrator who collaborated on A Rat's Tale here present an equally imaginative story featuring the animal residents of Wainscott, a town on the South Fork of Long Island. At the plot's center is Bagley Brown Jr., whose late father became a hero among the local weasel population after he constructed a tunnel through which eggs could be easily pilfered from a farmer's chicken coop. Although the other weasels enjoy dancing to the music of the birds, the thoughtful Bagley prefers spending time at the pond with Bridget, a striped bass who has captured his heart. It is for Bridget that Bagley risks his life in a gesture worthy of his father: he climbs atop a telephone pole to remove the nest of an osprey who is menacing the fish in his beloved's pond. Seidler's pacing is superb; he builds a solid structure within each chapter. A dry wit inspires his characterizations, which are original and at the same time respectful of animals' natures. Marcellino enhances and even extends the beguiling ambiance with his exceptionally expressive art. The volume's stellar design integrates color paintings as well as black-and-white drawings, creatively sized and placed. Impressive bookmaking. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-The Weasels are in love in the Wainscott Woods. Zeke Whitebelly loves Wendy Blackish, who admires Zeke for his whiteness. Bagley Brown, the "Wainscott Weasel," is deeply in love and obsessed with Bridget, a silver fish who says that "fish are meant for fish." Most of the major and minor characters are stereotypes-Zeke is the macho chauvinist, and Bagley is the brooding loner. However, Wendy is an independent female who's not afraid to invite a man to a party or ask to lead when they dance. The plot revolves around these romantic interests and Bagley's attempt to save Bridget and the other inhabitants of the pond from the preying osprey. Bagley hatches a plan to move the bird's nest and nearly sacrifices his life carrying it out. He and Bridget meet one last time, and she says she realizes that what's on the inside is more important than the outside. But, she and Bagley cannot be together. Marcellino's soft, pencil illustrations, in both color and black and white, are drawn from exciting perspectives, much like his picture books. The book is handsomely designed with its choice of typeface and layout. Unfortunately, the charming illustrations are not enough to carry this melodramatic story. Unlike Charlotte's Web or The Wind in the Willows, these creatures are anthropomorphized without regard for their animal personalities and characteristics, and they serve only to carry the author's less-than-subtle message.
Cheri Estes, Dorchester Road Regional Library, Charleston, SC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006205032X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062050328
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,195,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best books I ever read., June 13, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wainscott Weasel (Hardcover)

This book is about a group of weasels that live on Long Island in the Wainscott Woods. The story is about the life of the weasels. The main characters of the book are Bagley Brown, which is famous for his name because his father built the Double-B which is used for transporting eggs from a farm. After his father made the tunnel he was never seen again because a night owl got him, but only Bagley knew. Zeke is a nice weasel and a good dancer. Wendy is a girl from the north fork. The story is about the many adventures of Bagley. It is a great book with super great illustrations, I am a nine year old boy and I loved this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Marvelous Read, January 25, 2001

By 

John (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wainscott Weasel (Paperback)

The Wainscott Weasel by Tor Seidler is a marvelous book for children. Any person who enjoys books like The Wind in the Willows, Watership Down, Charlotte's Web, and Winnie-the-Pooh will love this humorous and moving story. It concerns Bagley Brown, Jr. He is the son of a famous, brilliant weasel. Bagley has neither lived up to his family name nor lived down his parents death. To further his troubles, he falls in love...with a fish. Eventually, Bagley must try to save his love and live up to his heritage. This is a humorous and adventurous tale that takes you into another world. Any child should enjoy this.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Book, August 10, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Wainscott Weasel (Paperback)

Kind of like two storys in one, mainly about three weasels each having a diffrent goal. And different tastes... Wendy Blackish has come to Wainscott woods with her uncle and aunt for the season. She soon falls in love with the famous Bagely Brown jr. Zeke White Belly is quickly falls under Wendy's spell, and he has all sorts of admirers. But for Bagely, his heart has been captured, by a fish! But her pond is being dried up and there is another danger. An osprey. Will Bagley let anything bad happen? What will Zeke do about Wendy? What will Wendy do about Zeke? Read it! Tor Seidler + Fred Macellino = Perfection! That's why I recommend this book! And 'A RAT'S TALE' If you are like me, and like good books, than read a this boook!