E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core!

September 1, 2012

Gr 3-6-In the second episode (Atheneum, 2012) in William Joyce's chapter-book series, Pitch, the Nightmare King, injures and traps the guardian Nightlight. Then, he holds the children of Santoff Claussen hostage in the hope of receiving Ombric's library of magic spells for ransom. Human heroes Katherine and North plan a rescue deep within the Earth's core. The ingenious and inventive E. Aster Bunnymund, a Pooka (a warrior rabbit who lives on none other than Easter Island), becomes a valuable ally on this mission. Bunnymund, a tunnel-digging, anything-egg-shaped enthusiast, has weapons of all kinds and possesses insightful information about Pitch and his troubled past. The timbre of Gerard Doyle's voice strengthens the fanciful, fairy tale quality of the story. He provides unique voices for the characters, and his pacing and delivery add to the humorous interactions between egg-obsessed Bunnymund and impatient North. However, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish "Fearlings," Pitch's minions, from "feelings" in the narration, which can be confusing to those who have not read the book. Excessive, sometimes forced word play complicates the plot-drive adventure that already carries too many non-essential characters and location switches. The audio format may be useful as a read-along for third and fourth graders.-Jane Newschwander, Arlington School District, VT

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