Poppy

Avi. Poppy. Illustrated by Brian Floca. Orchard Books, 1995. ISBN 0-531-08783-2

The heroine of this story is a mild-mannered, respectful, yet curious and independent, deer mouse named Poppy. Poppy has always obeyed the laws that her father set before her and her many siblings and cousins. These laws were passed down from Mr. Ocax, a fierce owl who rules the land and threatens sudden death to any mouse who challenges his authority. Normally Poppy would never dream of undermining any authority figure, but her fate is forever changed by a ruffian mouse named Ragweed who comes from afar, shifts her paradigm and helps her use her mind to think beyond a dictatorship, and to what may lie beyond. Jaded by Ragweeds tragic death and devouring by Mr. Ocax, Poppy is forced to make a decision about her own destiny.

The heavy themes (death, challenging authority, and dictatorship) are handled by the author in a very quick, mild-mannered way. A young reader would understand the concept, but would be able to move quickly on to the lighter themes (adventure, redemption, free will). Therefore, this book was not the most exciting work of fiction I have read. However, the style and vocabulary will be appropriate for many ages and reading abilities. Imaginative tweens who have an appreciation of nature and the animal kingdom may find this story appealing.

This illustrations hold the story as much as the text, if not more. There were some points when I was unsure what the author was describing, and the corresponding illustration gave me a better idea. Drawn in charcoal and pencil, the detailed sketches are only slightly cartoonish, and the attention to shading and anatomical structure is strong. Nearly every other page has an illustration, which also enhances the ability for young readers to grasp the plot and stay entertained throughout.