Publishers Weekly
04/29/2024
Silliness reigns in this caper about a lonely, fame-hungry fox who finds belonging within his reluctantly chosen family. Ever since his first skulk—humans who adopted him as a baby—broke his heart and surrendered him to an animal rescue, fennec fox Zoodini has lived up to his self-given moniker, doing his best to escape from any zoo he’s taken to. Luckily his trusted sidekick Hoppy—a stuffed rabbit whose voice only Zoodini can hear— supports his efforts. When the duo is transferred to Twin Buttes Animal Sanctuary and Drive-In Movie Theater in Colorado, Hoppy thinks they’ve found a forever home with a group comprising an orangutan, tortoise, otter, flamingo, and grizzly cub who host game and movie nights. But financial troubles, miscommunications, and human family grudges waylay any potential home sweet home. Though some of the action, including Zoodini’s cellphone use, strains credulity, Gardner (the Horace & Bunwinkle series) evokes belly laughs via clever naming conventions and incorporation of plot elements from musicals such as Grease. Readers will want to stay along for the ride and feel-good finale, ferried by a bighearted crew. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (July)
From the Publisher
The schemes are wacky, and the animal characters are quirky yet endearing.... Adorable anthropomorphic exploits with emotional depth.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers will want to stay along for the ride and feel-good finale, ferried by a bighearted crew.” — Publishers Weekly
“Full of heart and hijinks, The Great Zoodini is a heartwarming tale of finding family and freedom in the tradition of Chicken Run and The Great Escape!” — John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators
“A rip roaring tale filled with plenty of laughs, heartfelt emotion, and nonstop action—a guaranteed hit for readers who love funny adventure stories! — Carolyn Crimi, author of Secondhand Dogs and Weird Little Robot
"Hilarious animal antics and charming characters, woven with wit into a heartwarming tale of compassion and acceptance. A humorous and rewarding adventure about belonging and home.” — Celesta Rimington, author of The Elephant's Girl
Praise for Horace & Bunwinkle: “Gardner’s debut tale of mystery and (eventual) bucolic bliss brings to mind Joan Carris and Noah Z. Jones’ Bed & Biscuit series. Graduates of the Mercy Watson books will also feel right at home. Mottram’s occasional illustrations just add to the charm….This kicks off a series, and readers will be glad to know that this piggie and pooch will pair up again.” — Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: "I know a thing or two about animals who investigate mysteries, and Horace and Bunwinkle have what it takes, doing so with pluck and charm. Kids will be delighted by the curiosity and caring natures of these adorable, adoptive, crime-solving siblings!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators
PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: “Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page.” — Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series
PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: “Meet Horace and Bunwinkle, two unlikely friends and Pet-tectives! This funny, charming duo will leave readers eager for more.” — Bobbie Pyron, author of the award-winning A Dog’s Way Home and critically acclaimed Stay
Kirkus Reviews
2024-05-04
A fennec fox named Zoodini is determined to escape from wherever humans put him.
Zoodini, who’s been let down by everyone he’s ever trusted, constantly attempts to break out of the zoo, where he’s a misfit, and attain a life of fame and fortune. He’ll be safe—and he’ll never have to depend on anyone else again. The closest thing he has to family is his best friend, Hoppy, a stuffed rabbit who also functions as his conscience. When the zoo ships Zoodini off to Twin Buttes Animal Sanctuary, at first he thinks it’s just another place to escape from. But—against his will—he starts to get attached to the accepting, friendly animals there. Then the kindly owner, Latine-coded Linda, is tricked by her nefarious cousin into taking a trip to Denver, leaving the animals vulnerable. Zoodini seizes the chance to manipulate the others into helping him with his biggest escape attempt yet. A further twist heightens the stakes for all the animals—and the emotional stakes rise as Zoodini continues to lie about his motivations. The schemes are wacky, and the animal characters are quirky yet endearing, brought to life by Mottram’s black-and-white spotlight illustrations. Themes of connection and trust (and mistrust) are well incorporated and rooted in empathy. Zoodini’s once-bitten-twice-shy characterization leads to compelling internal conflict as he’s torn between playing it safe and forging real connections. Final art not seen.
Adorable anthropomorphic exploits with emotional depth. (Fiction. 7-12)
