Chickenhare

December 17, 2012
Witty comebacks, fast pacing, and a demented taxidermist—Grine’s debut has it all. First published by Dark Horse and now available in a new, full-color edition, the book stars Chickenhare, a smart-alecky rabbit with chicken legs and feathers, who has been abducted along with gullible Abe, a bearded box turtle. Rare creatures both, they are being taken to twisted taxidermist Klaus, who kills his animals to ensure they won’t leave him (“Why don’t my pets return my love, Fingerbones?” he asks his butler querulously). Banjo and Meg, two other taxidermy prospects (whose real identities are only hinted at), help Chickenhare and Abe escape and give Chickenhare the chance to free a tormented soul. This is no picnic of a story—it involves a decaying goat carcass, inadvertent cannibalism, and a truly unbalanced villain—but humor always tempers the horror. “You keep that filthy tail out of my face or I’ll cut it off!” Meg snaps at Banjo. “I think someone needs a nap!” Banjo says archly to the camera. Strong, simple lines establish the strange characters and polar setting with authority. A sequel can’t come too soon. Ages 8–12.

January 1, 2013
Why did the Chickenhare cross the wintry terrain? Why, to flee a maniacal taxidermist, of course. Chickenhare, a leporine creature with feathers and chicken legs, and his companion, a bearded turtle named Abe, have been captured and taken to the house of Klaus, a demented taxidermist who delights in torturing and preserving unusual "pets" and has an unsettling resemblance to another, more festive Claus. Determined to escape, the pair team up with two other strange creatures named Meg and Banjo who await a similar fate in Klaus' lair. Don't think that this amalgamated cast of characters is the pinnacle of this offering's whimsy; this peculiar party will also include a monocled ghost-goat, a cranky Krampus and a race of cute but deadly beings with razor teeth known as Shromphs. Jokes run high, insults are easily and often slung, and cheap gags run rampant; these factors combine for an imaginative, outlandish and rollicking adventure, one that's sure to pique the interest of preteen boys who seek silly over scholarly. Originally published by Dark Horse in 2006, this reissue adds vibrant color and valuable depth to Grine's illustrations, creating a pleasingly odd world readers can easily slide into and explore. Twisted, weird and fun. (Graphic fantasy/adventure. 9-14)

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March 1, 2013

Gr 3-5-This entertaining graphic novel is part chicken, part hare, part comedy, part adventure. After escaping the evil clutches of taxidermist/collector Mr. Klaus, species hybrid ChickenHare and his friends are on the run. Along the way they encounter Mr. Buttons, a ghost goat with an ax to grind against Klaus. In the inevitable good vs. evil showdown, Klaus gets his comeuppance at the hands (and paws and hooves) of our heroes. Regardless of the "ya had to be there" plot involving reincarnated livestock, the action never feels confusing. The dialogue is snappy and the pace is brisk. The slick full-color illustrations are more cartoonish than Jeff Smith's "Bone" titles (Scholastic), a series to which ChickenHare will draw some comparisons. Large panels give the art room to breathe and will likely increase the appeal with younger readers. The ending promises continued adventures, and kids will likely be waiting with anticipation. Travis Jonker, Wayland Union Schools, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2013
Grades 5-8 Chickenhare and his friend Abe the turtle have been kidnapped and sold to Klaus, an insane taxidermist. Even if they escape his clutches, they will have to struggle to survive in the snow, find what is keeping a ghost goat from moving on, and avoid the dreaded Shromph and their razor-sharp teeth. Grine's offbeat title has a certain manic charm. Chickenhare, Abe, and the other creatures they encounter are a fun bunch whose pluck and young looksrendered in a bright cartoon stylewill endear them to their readers. But those looking for a deeper story will likely be disappointed. The book opens in the middle of the action and never really delves into backstory or motivation. An open ending hints at more volumes to come, though there is no volume indicator included on the book. Some of the subject mattercannibalism, a rotting goat corpse, etc.could be a little intense for younger readers. For fans of action and humor who don't need an overly thoughtful story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)