Morris Gleitzman wrote his first children's novel in 1985. His brilliantly comic style has endeared him to children and adults alike, and he is now one of Australasia's best-selling authors. One of his most successful books. Two Weeks with the Queen, was made into a play which has been staged in many countries. All of his more recent books, including Blabber Mouth, Sticky Beak, Bumface, Gift of the Gab, Toad Rage and Toad Heaven, have been runaway successes.
The amphibious cast of Toad Rage ("saucy fun from start to finish," according to PW) returns for a third installment, Toad Away by Morris Gleitzman. Testing his Aunty Pru's theory that "friendship is possible between all species," Limpy heads to the Amazon to discover how cane toads might live peacefully with humans. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Gr 3-6-Limpy, the pacifist cane toad, continues his noble quest to make friends with humans in this third entry in the zany Australian series. He is convinced that making peace is the way to stop humankind from flattening his relatives on the highway. His cousin Goliath, a perfect caricature of a gruff, dimwitted platoon sergeant, prefers to wage war. Hearing that their Amazonian relatives have discovered the secret to a peaceful coexistence between human and toad, Limpy, his sister, and Goliath hitch a ride on some migratory birds and rush to uncover the mystery. Finding the Amazon to be a murderous war zone with hostility among all of its animal inhabitants, the toads think their mission is hopeless-until they find that all humans are not bent on destroying them, and one in particular-an ancient wise man-reveals the sought-after secret. Ecological and peace-loving messages are nicely woven into the text, and all the toads have appealingly distinct personalities. A loving sibling relationship adds a gentle touch. The plot moves quickly, and there is enough kooky humor to hold children's interest. Although the book stands on its own, readers may seek out the earlier adventures. Animal fantasy fans will be delighted with this unusual perspective on the world and will be gobsmacked when they learn the secret to peaceful coexistence. A helpful glossary of tricky Australian lingo is included.-Quinby Frank, formerly at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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