The Legend of Podkin One-Ear: WINNER - BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD (The World of Podkin One-Ear) - Softcover

Larwood, Kieran

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0571340202 ISBN 13: 9780571340200

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 2017

Synopsis

Winner of the Best Story Blue Peter Book Award 2017

A thick white blanket covers the wide slopes of the band of hills known as the Razorback Downs . . .

Podkin is the son of a warrior chieftain. He knows that one day it will be up to him to lead his warren and guard it in times of danger. But for now, he's quite happy to laze around annoying his older sister Paz, and playing with his baby brother Pook. Then Podkin's home is brutally attacked, and the young rabbits are forced to flee. The terrifying Gorm are on the rampage, and no one and nowhere is safe. With danger all around them, Podkin must protect his family, uncover his destiny, and attempt to defeat the most horrifying enemy rabbitkind has ever known.

About this title

Review:

This book is everything I loved from Watership Down (Rabbits that are complex characters and talk!) and 'The Hobbit' (Adventure, Magic and really evil villain armies!) . . . perfect for both boys and girls 9+ who love danger, magic, tragedy, mysterious strangers (in books obviously), and cruel dark arts zombie rabbits (and rats!). The illustrations in the book are just wonderful and this is a perfect Xmas present that will ensure the reader will be curled up reading into the night. (Minna Watson Children's buyer, Magrudy)

In the immortal words of Buffy's rabbit-hating demon Anya: "Bunnies aren't just cute like everybody supposes/They've got those hoppy legs and twitchy little noses." We suspect she'd be seriously creeped out by the hopping-mad bad guys in this children's book, who are metal-infused, murderous, mind-controlled bastards assimilating everything in their path. All of which comes as a bit of a shock to little Podkin, who must leave his warren with sister Paz and baby brother Pook when the nasty Gorm attack, killing any bunny in their path. With the Gorm after Podkin's magical dagger, our furry heroes must fight not only for their lives but to save their world.

The good news is that despite the bloodthirsty villains, this is actually a surprisingly adorable kiddie tale that will leave sprogs considerably less scarred than Watership Down. It's also beautifully illustrated. However, it does feel rather slight, with some background characters in serious need of fleshing out (particularly the acrobatic dwarf bunnies named Mish and Mash). As an introduction to a post-apocalyptic rabbit world, though, it's jolly good fun; although this particular story is pleasingly self-contained, expect sequels to breed like... well, rabbits.

(SFX)

Parents desperate to share Tolkien with their children will enjoy the first instalment of what promises to be a rather epic rabbit saga. Illustrated by legendary fantasy artist David Wyatt, this beautiful book has 'Christmas gift' written all over it.

Its form of a story within a story gives the whole thing a very traditional feel, but the characters, pacey action and world-building have timeless appeal. A family read that will entertain everyone:Podkin One Ear already feels like a classic.

(BookTrust)

Book Description:

A fantastic new adventure tale, perfect for fans of REDWALL

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0571340202
• ISBN 13: 9780571340200
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288
• Illustrator: Wyatt David