Perloo The Bold (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THICKLY FALLING SNOW, tossed and turned by wailing winds, filled the air with streaky blurs of white and gray..." (more)
Key Phrases: new granter, great granter, wing pike, Central Tribe Burrow, Granter Berwig, Chef Fergink (more...)

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.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-In this mildly whimsical fantasy, Avi introduces the Montmers, a race of creatures that are part jackrabbit, part prairie dog, and part human. Jolaine, the elderly chief Granter of the tribe, takes ill and dies, but not before she bestows her leadership on Perloo, a bookish loner who prefers history to reality, instead of on her pompous son, Berwig. Perloo is aghast at this new title and is immediately thrown into conflict with Berwig, who institutes martial law and accuses his rival of murdering Jolaine. Political subterfuge flourishes as Berwig's counselor plots against him. Still trying to resist his responsibility, Perloo is taken captive by the Montmers' archenemies, the Felbarts, part human, part coyote, who are preparing to defend themselves against Berwig's declaration of war. Perloo rises to the occasion in an ending reminiscent of David and Goliath, and learns some valuable lessons about courage. Unfortunately, the action lacks suspense, and the Montmers themselves fail to elicit sympathy. The story is sprinkled with words of wisdom from the creatures' philosopher, Mogwat the Magpie, who preaches peace, unity, courage, truth, and democracy; although these are admirable values, they become burdensome in the thin text. Though this tale is geared for a younger audience, it invites comparison to Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series (Philomel), and there it falls short, lacking the depth of characterization and spirit, and the rich detail of those books. A light read.
Jennifer A. Fakolt, Denver Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590110039
• ISBN-13: 978-0590110037
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #344,324 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 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 (Paperback)

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

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 (Paperback)

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]