Things are going from bad to worse for our feathered and furry friend Chickenhare and his partner in hijinx Abe Their narrow escape from the evil Taxidermist Klaus is going to seem like a cakewalk compared to the dangers they'll face in the sequel to the Eisner nominated graphic novel, Chickenhare: The House of Klaus. Magic and mayhem are about to collide, along with some pointy pitchforks, a few unexpected relatives and more laughs than a barrel full of wet shromph as the Chickenhare and Abe learn the origins of their mysterious fellow escapees Meg and Banjo - and what this means to our friends is nothing but trouble
I was definitely looking forward to reading more stories in the Chickenhare universe, but this just felt like it was tacked on a bit as opposed to being a really solid adventure. A bit of Dante's Inferno mixed in with the ridiculousness of the overarching story didn't make for a super engaging read, but just an okay one that didn't work in the same way. Consider this sort of a weird deleted scene book from the first one instead.
In "Fire in the Hole," Chickenhare, Abe, Meg and Banjo truly jump out of the frying pan and into the fryer. This book picks up where "The House of Klaus" left off, with Chickenhare, Abe, Meg, and Banjo traveling to destination unknown and more than one secret kept among them. Except Banjo's secret past has caught up with them, and Abe gets caught in the middle. To save Abe, they will have to reveal their secrets, trust each other, and descend to the devil's realm where the dead go to retrieve his soul. Or die trying. Let me start with I originally checked out "Chickenhare" from the library, read it, then picked up "Chickenhare: The House of Klaus" because, even though Klaus' arc seemed pretty well wrapped up, it was the first book I saw with a subtitle. Once I got the book and realized my error-that they were different editions of the same book-I found "Fire in the Hole" and got that sequel I was looking for. The Chickenhare world expands as we learn more not only of Banjo and Meg's origins, but we even get a little more insight into Chickenhare and Abe's backstory. Yet while this book is largely Chickenhare's mission to save Abe, it wouldn't be whole without what we learn about Banjo and Meg's history and where they come from. Put it all together, add a heavy does of action and a dash of wackiness, and you have "Fire in the Hole." I enjoyed it as a whole, especially the glimpses of extra depth we get into our four main characters, but it does make me wish there was either more to this book, or another book. And if the movie Chickenhare is based directly off the plots of these two books, or if it takes its own angle on things. There is room to explore more of Chickenhare's world, though I have a feeling with all Grine has on his plate right now, we won't be seeing any more Chickenhare graphic novels from him for the next couple of years at least. (He's finishing up his Camp Whatever trilogy, and he has four more Animorphs graphic novels to adapt.)
Author/Illustrator Chris Grine began the tales of Chickenhare as a black & white book in 2005. Chickenhare and his friend Abe, a turtle with a prominent beard, attempt to escape from the evil taxidermist Klaus.
I read book two without having book one and loved it. The story contains mystery, adventure and suspense along with a monkey, demons and an angry goat.
The books have been picked up by Scholastic and will be released in full color in new editions in February.
These are a fun, quick read and they are unique enough to keep adults interested while still being simple enough for kids to follow and enjoy.
Our friends Chickenhare and Abe, along with Banjo and Meg from Vol. 1, face another harrowing adventure featuring magic, devils, witches, a fate worse than death, and the unwelcome reappearance of some old "friends". Very funny, wonderfully drawn, a YA title that is fine for older kids (and adults!).
After Chickenhare and Abe the bearded turtle escape with their new companions Meg and Banjo from Klaus the evil taxidermist, they are unexpectedly confronted by a violent storm on a dark river caused by two demonic pursuers. It seems that Meg and Banjo are wanted in the underworld. In the struggle that ensues Abe is thrown overboard and killed. Chickenhare vows to rescue him by venturing into the underworld to retrieve his soul and resurrect him and begins a descent into the abode of the dead.
This is an adventure with a multiplicity of devilish foes and plenty of narrow escapes and thrills.
GN YA GRINE - (underworld) adventure, appropriate for J audience In the second adventure in the Chickenhare series, our characters are discovered on stormy seas by a sorcerer sent to take Banjo and Meg back to the Underworld. When Abe's soul is captured in the mix, Chickenhare must penetrate the Underworld to save his friend. And maybe Banjo, too. Quick read, and a fast-paced plot.