The Royal Rabbits of London

Narrator Mike Grady's deep, gentle British voice welcomes listeners to a tale that spans British history from the time of King Arthur to the present. When Shylo Tawny-Tail, the runt of a rabbit litter, uncovers a plot to compromise the Queen, he decides to thwart the scheme. His ancient and outcast rabbit friend, Horatio, blesses him as he embarks on his journey to the headquarters of the Royal Rabbits of London. Grady captures the story's intense action with a pace that keeps the listener moving forward. His character voices are varied--innocent, honest, and undeterred as Shylo, wistful and wise as Horatio, and commanding as Nelson, of the Royal Rabbits. Lesser characters, a French-speaking rabbit, a drawling American rabbit, and a gangster-like trio of rats, are guaranteed to generate smiles. Listeners of all ages will be delighted. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

November 6, 2017
The Montefiores, who are spouses and bestselling adult authors, shine in their debut collaboration and first book for children, which blends a contemporary setting with old-fashioned charms. Originally published in the U.K., their rabbit saga opens in rural England, where Shylo Tawny-Tail, an eye-patch-wearing runt of the litter, overhears three camera-toting rats—aka Ratzis—hatching a nefarious plan. They intend to sneak into the Queen’s bedroom in Buckingham Palace, photograph her in her nightie, and sell the scandalous pictures online. Horatio, the warren’s wise elder, dispatches Shylo to warn the Royal Rabbits who live below the palace and protect the royals: “Go! By will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet nose, and a slice of mad courage!” Shylo wends his way to London and, conquering fears and self-doubt, leads the delightfully eccentric Royal Rabbits on a labyrinthine search for a secret tunnel to foil the rats’ paparazzi-style scheme. Composed of whisker-thin lines, newcomer Hindley’s scratchy b&w illustrations echo the classic qualities of this polished animal fantasy driven, of all things, by a defense of one’s right to privacy in a digital world. Ages 8–12.