Poppy's Return

Dimwood Forest #5

by Avi, Brian Floca (Illustrations)

The fifth book in the beloved Poppy series by Newbery Medal–winning author Avi, with illustrations from Caldecott Medal–winning artist Brian Floca

There's trouble at Gray House, the girlhood home that Poppy left long ago. Poppy's family has called her back to save them all—mother, father, sisters and brothers, and dozens and dozens of deer mouse cousins.

Poppy invites her rebellious son, Junior, to join her on the long trip across Dimwood Forest, hoping the journey will bring them closer together.

But with Junior's skunk pal, Mephitis, and Ereth, the cantankerous porcupine, in tow—sugared slug soup!—Poppy and Junior may be in for unexpected adventure.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Young Adult

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Poppy better. Poppy's Return has too much rebellion, "swearing" in it. Like: using words to make it sound like cussing: "freaking," and "name calling." It was a great story, it's just that one of the animals moves in to a porcupines house to learn how to "swear." I don't think that I'd have my children read this book until they are in their mid-teens because of that fact. I know I must be old-fashioned, but I don't want my children getting the wrong ideas.

I do like the storyline and how family members learn to get a long. I am glad that members didn't have to change who they were to be liked (only if they wanted to be different).

In real life, the humans would probably use a lot of mice poison to kill off the mice- but it's a kids book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book showed both the sweetness and struggle of family relationships, and teenagers and parents starting to understand each other better.

Some people may not like how a few of the books in this series talk about Ereth “swearing,” but it’s things like “sugared slug slush!” and the like, plus Junior says “freaking.” It’s generally played off as funny.

[Tommy Tomlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 <3

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Poppy, a female mouse. Poppy lives happily in Dimwood Forest. She lives with her husband, Rye, a golden mouse, and all her delightful children. Well, every child, except her rudest, Ragweed Jr. Ragweed was named after Rye's brother, the first Ragweed. Ragweed Jr. is a "teenager" and is very snotty. His best friend is a skunk! Poppy is very happy in Dimwood Forest, except for one day, when her sister comes to Dimwood Forest to tell Poppy some very bad news: Their father, Lungwart, is dying. This means that Poppy has to go to The Gray House to visit her father. Poppy can't go alone, so she brings Ragweed Jr. The problem is, Junior will only go, if she will let him bring his best friend, the skunk. Well, Poppy said yes. After traveling for a day or two, they finally reach Gray House. Everyone is happy to see Poppy. Then, Poppy learns something: Her father wants to make her the leader of Gray House! Will Poppy take his offer? Read to find out!

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior and Memfitis were Hilarious! Even though Poppy regretted taking them along, I thought it was a good idea. They are SO hilarious!

[Sharon Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was good. Poppy is a good mouse, but she has a family of her own, even though her ENTIRE mouse family needs her just because she defeated the leader owl a long time ago. There was a lot of adventure, and a funny part about Ragweed Jr. and the porcupine having an argument. The porcupine is my favorite character because he says things that seem serious to him but for me, there funny, I imagine him saying it with a cranky voice, but he is also cares about Poppy, even though he does not wan't to go with her, he still does because of her powerful kind voice and her little pink nose. Poppy's son Ragweed Jr. is my second favorite character in this story, he has a friend skunk, he colored his fur like a skunk and smells like one to.

This book is about a mouse named Poppy, she has a family of her own and her other family in dimwood forest. Her son Ragweed Jr. is the oldest mouse but he is a teen. Poppy's sister comes to give her news about her father and that she needs to see him. So now Poppy goes back home with her son and his friend the skunk, and her friend the porcupine.

[Erin Friedly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been reading aloud the entire Dimwood Forrest series and we are almost finished. My son is 5 and we both adore these stories. However I will say that while we still enjoyed this story that didn’t quite worm it’s way into our affections like the other books. There is something about Poppy, Poppy & Rye, and Ereth’s Birthday that I found to be absent in this book and also Ragweed. I’m not sure what it is, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Hence the 4 out of 5 stars.

My son can’t help but get the giggles listening to Ereth’s “swearing” in each of the books.

As read alouds I have found this series enjoyable for both myself and my son.

[Sierra The Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is all about getting along with one’s family even when things go a little sour. Poppy only wants to understand her son Ragweed Jr. where he wants no part of it and just wants to hang with his skunk friend. When Poppy’s sister Lilly comes to tell her her father needs her due to danger she goes. With her she takes Ragweed, his skunk friend and unruly Ereath things get out of hand. Was very enjoyable.

[Ammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series has grown on me, but it isn't one I would necessarily read with my kids. Which is funny, given it is meant for children.

This story resonated with me given that Poppy travels home with her rebellious and estranged teenage son. However, the story was lacking and there was little redemption within it.

Again, for an average series, I am surprised I am still reading it. However, I care just enough about the characters to see how it all ends.

[Brantley Towns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. We read it as a family. My favorite part is when the bear comes. They all were walking but then a bear came with its cub . How did they kill the bear? Memphitis is a skunk so he uses his stink to kill the bear. My favorite character is Ragweed Jr. I like him because he is cute and funny. I also like when the house broke by the bulldozer. This book is very funny. I highly recommend it.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series that I've read aloud to the kids, but I think this one is my favorite so far. My kids loved the humor while I loved the wisdom with which he addressed complex family relationships and the beauty of found family. It resonated on many levels and was a satisfying read for us all!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved how Poppy developed as a parent, as well as seeing her “ancestral home” and family again after several months apart. I loved that this book tackled the idea of carving your own path and choosing not to revisit old ways when they have been exhausted. I also loved seeing the teenager Junior and his unique perspective, as well as his own growth.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family continues to enjoy this series. This story was excellent! The kid laughed and asked for it everyday. It had something for the whole range of ages of my kids and even for me.

The illustrations are amazing!

[Erin Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked out this book because i was very into the book. I bet that if someone other then me read this book would like it to so is you i new that i would enjoy this book when i first got it i never knew how into it i would be.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This school year will be remembered as the year of Poppy, Dimwood Forest, Ereth, Ragweed, Rye, and Junior. We will all be a little sad when we finish this series. We have laughed, grieved, and wondered together. Highly recommend as a read aloud series.

[Jessica Partlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a heads up, the word “freaking” is in the book a lot. I read it aloud and skipped over it, just don’t want my younger kids saying that over and over…

We enjoyed this just like we have enjoyed all the other Dimwood Forest tales! Ereth is still our favorite.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is typical of this series, the characters jumped off the page and the action moved at a break-neck pace at times. I still love dear Uncle Ereth, even when his appearances are more sparse. I highly recommend this book and this series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #5 in the Perma-Bound edition I read.
Teenagers and aging parents! We always hope for the best, even if we're mice!

This edition has a Reader's Theatre script in the back.

[Jennifer Wilkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute book. Good messages about friendship and family and biases we have. I was a little bored, but hey, I’m an adult. My 8yo loved listening to it.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite of the Dimwood Forest books by Avi. Kids loved it. Great read aloud.

[Hannah Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship between Poppy and Rye is really sweet. Memfitis (the skunk) grew on me. But, ugh, the teenage stereotypes...

[Malea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, simple story with fun characters. A great read aloud for kids.

[Lilli Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always a delight to me!

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite of the Poppy series. I think it was just a little old for Charlie. I loved Mephitis though and Ereth is always good for a laugh.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I read with my son and we both liked it!

[Kristina Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being able to visit more of Poppy's family and their friends.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a hoot!

[Sarah]

The chirp of crickets counted the quiet moments.