The Yawning Rabbit River Chronicle

by J.L. Kimmel, David Ceccarelli

This magnificent, three-part tale opens in a once-idyllic forest where the creatures fear for their survival amid a drought so long-standing that none recall ever seeing a river and the dangers of hungry hunters. So desperate are they that a lightning-fast jackrabbit thief undertakes a quest to find the mythological river goddess, Violet, and race her for the river. As he departs, the forest librarian owl reads Violet s story aloud from a very special book. Part two occurs many years later on the estate of absurdly conspicuous consumers, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, the latter of whom hates rain and nature sounds. Their children are twins purchased at a bargain price the loud, aggressive Ash, deemed boyish by parents who discount the sensitive, thoughtful Dusty. A mishap with the past makes Ash evil and infects the Miller house with soul crawlers, parasites of hate that thrived where evil lurked. Twenty years later, in the adjoining township, part three brings thirteen-year-old Nub Begley, a farmer boy, and female classmate Nil Turner. Their adventures complete the complex tapestry of this rich tale. In this heartwarming tale, good triumphs over evil, danger threatens every good soul, and history is contained within the pages of an important book that appears throughout. This story will make life-long readers of youth not previously committed to reading. Middle schools and public libraries will want multiple copies. Doting adults will do well to gift copies to beloved youth. Adults who take the time to explore these pages will be reminded of the important titles of their youth, the ones that originally hooked them on reading. Cynthia Winfield. VOYA MAGAZINE Dec. 2012 5Q 5P M J Highest rating possible by VOYA for Quality and Popularity

296 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2012

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually quite good, there was a copy in the house where we were staying in Ireland because the writer had been inspired by that house when he was staying there to write that book, and also several of his illustrations or drawings framed on the walls - he's very talented - but i didn't finish it as we weren't there long. Well written i thought

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was original and haunting. The illustrations added to the spooky, unsettling feel of the book, and it was written in an interesting style.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I was not the intended audience for this book. I walked past it twice at the library, read the blurb, and decided I didn't want to read it, before finally bringing it home. After that I nearly put it down twice.

There's a lot going on here, and much of it is interesting. But at times it feels like there's a bit too much going on, and too many coincidences and unexplained storylines. (Who is Penny Boy? Where did he come from?) I liked the scope of the book and the mythology that is created over time, but it felt a lot like the author simply wanted to throw in all of the "cool" things that he or she had ever thought of, without determining whether they fit well into the book or added to the story. This felt a bit more like a kid's television show than a novel.

I think a pre-teen or young teen reader might really enjoy this book.

[Rhea]

Note: I read part of this book, and it certainly does not deserve 1 star! (The only rating it has received so far.) It is interesting and many will enjoy it.

I gave it 5 stars so that its average rating would not be so low, and I will remove this when it gains more ratings.

Comment: By the way, the pictures inside are beautiful! They are unique and strange in their own way.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fable is full of warmth, mystery and humor. It is fast-paced with several subplots that add to the storyline and are all answered in the end. The illustrations are wonderful and add to this creative story. It is a very full good story. Everyone will enjoy this read.