Appleblossom the Possum

Author: Sloan, Holly Goldberg

Number Of Pages: 288

Details:

Fans of E.B. White's CHARLOTTE'S WEB and Dick King-Smith's BABE will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of COUNTING BY 7s Mama has trained up her marsupial babies in the ways of their breed, and now it's time for all of the possums--even Appleblossom--to discover the world. Little Appleblossom knows the rules: she must only be awake at night, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the most dreaded monsters of all: Dogs. But despite the warnings, the littlest possum spies on a human family and accidentally falls down their chimney! Appleblossom, her faithful brothers--who launch a hilarious rescue mission--and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating life can be. With dynamic illustrations, this cozy animal story, which is an Amazon Best Book of the Month and an Indie Next Best Book for Kids, is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making. The audiobook of Appleblossom the Possum is read by famed actor Dustin Hoffman, with original music by the celebrated musician Ry Cooder. From School Library Journal Gr 3–6—Mama Possum has done her best to impart wisdom to her newborn "A" possum brood—Antonio, Alisa, Abdul, Ajax, Alberta, Angie, Allan, Alphonse, Atticus, Alejandro, Augusta, Amlet, and the littlest possum, Appleblossom. There are many rules that must be followed in the possum world—never be seen during the day, avoid cars (metal monsters), people, and especially the hairies (dogs). Mama Possum teaches the youngsters how to theatrically play dead to avoid the many calamities facing them daily. Mama tells the babies they are solitary creatures and need to fend for themselves, but when she disappears, the A clan doesn't feel ready to face the world. Appleblossom and two of her brothers, Amlet and Antonio, band together and share stories of their new adventures out in the world. Curious Appleblossom finds a human home with a seemingly nice creature (a little girl named Izzy), but it also houses a terrifying beast of a dog named Columbo, who is intent on sniffing and destroying. When Appleblossom accidentally stumbles down the chimney into the house, it is up to her family to save her. An unlikely friendship and bond forms between Izzy and Appleblossom, and the possum must choose between family and friendship. Sloan has masterfully created an intensely satisfying and humorous tale that makes possums seem utterly adorable. Rosen's charming illustrations pair beautifully with the text, as he draws the possums with intertwined tails, pink noses, and vivid expressions. VERDICT A perfectly sweet animal tale, with just the right blend of humor, excitement, and uncertainty.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Reviews:

Praise and Accolades for Counting by 7s: *

“A graceful, meaningful tale featuring a cast of charming, well-rounded characters who learn sweet—but never cloying—lessons about resourcefulness, community, and true resilience in the face of loss.”

— Booklist (starred review) 

*

“What sets this novel apart from the average orphan-finds-a-home book is its lack of sentimentality, its truly multicultural cast (Willow describes herself as a

“person of color”; Mai and Quang-ha are of mixed Vietnamese, African American, and Mexican ancestry), and its tone. . . . Poignant.”

— The Horn Book (starred review) 

*

“Willow's story is one of renewal, and her journey of rebuilding the ties that unite people as a family will stay in readers' hearts long after the last page.”

— School Library Journal (starred review) 

*

"A deeply original tale . . . Readers will rejoice."

— BCCB (starred review)

New York Times Bestseller E.B. White Read Aloud Award Honor ALA Notable Book YALSA Best Book for Young Adults Booklist Best Fiction for Young Adults Booklist Notable Children's Book BCCB Blue Ribbon Book School Library Journal Best Books of 2013 Horn Book Fanfare Title  NYPL 100 Books for Reading and Sh...

EAN: 9780803741331

Release Date: 11-08-2015

Languages: English

Item Condition: New

Binding: Hardcover