Anton and Cecil, Book 2

February 1, 2016
Gr 2-5-Having recently returned from their adventures at sea, cat brothers Anton and Cecil receive word via the "mouse network" that their rodent friend Hieronymus has been taken captive. Although Anton would much rather stay home, he knows he must rescue his friend, and adventure-loving Cecil is more than happy to accompany him on their cross-country journey. The brothers follow the train tracks west where they encounter unfamiliar animals, dangerous predators, and even separation. They'll need to keep their wits about them not only to save Hieronymus but to be reunited as well. Mixing historical fiction and animal fantasy, this engaging, quickly paced adventure is filled with descriptive language that puts the audience in the middle of the action. The brothers, with their distinct personalities, are extremely likable characters, and listeners will certainly relate to their hopes and fears, thanks in part to narrator Matthew Glick's exuberant vocal performance. Glick deftly switches from character to character, giving each his own distinctive voice, and his youthful, playful tone keeps the cats' outing from becoming too frightening. VERDICT Young animal lovers and fans of Avi's "Tales from Dimwood Forest" (HarperCollins) books and Kate DiCamillo's "The Tale of Despereaux" (Candlewick, 2003) will enjoy tagging along with these intrepid felines. ["A satisfying adventure for fans of animal fantasy tales": "SLJ" 8/15 review of the Algonquin book.]-"Audrey Sumser, Kent State University at Tuscarawas, New Philadelphia, OH"

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.