Perloo, a peaceful scholar who has been chosen to succeed Jolaine as leader of the furry underground people called the Montmers, finds himself in danger when Jolaine dies and her evil son seizes control of the burrow.

Story Behind the Story

Now here is a topic for someone (not me) to write about: Books written for a specific child. There are quite a few. You can start with Alice in Wonderland.

My son, Robert, was an avid skier and a very fine one. He was also a reader. There was a time when he was reading the Redwall series by British writer, Brian Jacques, and was deeply involved in the books. Good books they are, and Mr. Jacques, whom I met a couple of times, was quite charming. read more

Awards and Honors

Starred review, Publishers Weekly
One of top 10 Fantasy Novels for Youth, 1998-99, Booklist
Children's choice nominee, Oklahoma
Children's Choice nominee, New Mexico
Children's Choice nominee, Texas
Children’s Choice nominee, Florida
Children’s Choice nominee, Connecticut

Review

“… exciting, suspenseful and witty.” (Publishers Weekly)