The Daring Escape of the Misfit Menagerie

Resnick's warmhearted debut features a cocoa-loving villain, a kind but lonely orphan boy, and a bevy of talking animals (who cannot be understood by humans) that lives happily together as the star attractions of Mumford's Farm & Orchard. While the title is misleading (the "daring escape" doesn't occur until the last few chapters), the book is filled with secret plots, adventures, and acts of bravery and loyalty%E2%80%94as well as dastardly deeds. Resnick's third-person narration peeks inside the heads of several characters, both human and animal, including the gentle bear Smalls, de facto leader of the "misfit menagerie" that suddenly becomes part of a cruelly managed circus, and 10-year-old Bertie, the orphan, whose heartless uncle is its owner. Stopping just short of slapstick and caricature, Resnick sets a lively pace and draws tender characterizations (the animals each bear a distinctive, lovable personality), creating a spirited tale that cleanly separates the good guys from the bad without getting too dark or frightening. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Dec.)