The Curse of the Romany Wolves

November 1, 2009
Gr 3-6-The clever fox apothecary from "The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush" (Knopf, 2007) has settled into a peaceful existence with his mate Rowan and their adopted Romany wolf cubs, Donald and Dora, though restlessness tugs at his spirit. As is often the case, Penhaligon's wish for adventure is granted in an unfortunate way when Donald contracts wolf fever, the virulent disease that wiped out the cubs' clan. While Penhaligon sails with the dubious feline Captain Elgato Furrari to gather ingredients for a cure, Rowan attempts to curb a panic in the village when symptoms of the disease manifest in the other animals. The plot, while relying a bit much on happenstance, moves swiftly and is filled with action, devious pirates, sea serpents, and a hidden Romany wolf clan that has curious ties to Penhaligon's past. Done in pen and ink, the attractive full-page and inset illustrations add detail and humor to the text. Readers of the first book and newcomers to the fox's adventures will be swept into this new chapter."Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Grades 3-5 Restless in his comfortable home after the exciting events of The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush (2007), the gentlemanly fox longs for another adventure, but not at the expense of his adopted sons life. When febra lupi (wolf fever) strikes his cub, Donald, Penhaligon sets out on a dangerous voyage get the necessary ingredients for the cure, and scary settings and narrow escapes abound. Short chapters and frequent pencil illustrations of the costumed animals add appeal, and enough background is given to make this sequel stand alone, although it will certainly prompt those who enjoy it to look for the first.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)