THE DARING ADVENTURES OF PENHALIGON BRUSH
written by S. Jones Rogan
illustrated by Christian Slade
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Hardcover: 9780375843440
Paperback: 9780440422082
Ages 8-12
256 pages

Penhaligon Brush is a quiet young fox, the trusted apothecary of Ramble-on-the-Water. Little does he know that a letter from his brother will draw him into danger and adventure, and provide the answers to his questions about his own mysterious past.

THE DARING ADVENTURES OF PENHALIGON BRUSH follows Penhaligon as he sets out to the seaside village of Porthleven after he is summoned by his brother Bancroft. Bancroft's undated letter states that he has important information for Penhaligon. Upon Penhaligon’s arrival, the village is dark and spooky, and the only creature out in the rainy night is a hunched and slimy monster with bright yellow eyes. When Penhaligon is pulled in from the cold and wet night by a hedgehog named Hotchi, he learns that the ailing Lady Ferball is held prisoner in her own castle by evil nephew Sir Derek, who, along with his army of ferrets, has occupied Porthleven. But all is not as it seems.

Penhaligon, Hotchi, Bancroft, Lady Ferball and her companion fox Rowan --- along with a couple of young Romany wolves and Hotchi's clever daughter Hannah --- hatch a plan to free the village just in time to save a Spatavian ship carrying a princess and treasure from Sir Derek's dastardly clutches. The shy Penhaligon now finds himself crawling though secret passageways, concocting sleeping potions, disguised as a ferret soldier and even swordfighting to save his friends, all of Porthleven and Princess Katrina.

S. Jones Rogan's tale has all the requisite elements for a great adventure: good guys and bad guys, mix-ups and clever plans, an orphaned hero and narration both witty and exciting. Penhaligon is likable, humble and brave. An orphan raised by Bancroft's mother, Mrs. Brock, and educated by the mysterious Menhenin, Penhaligon's story is also one of family, identity and overcoming prejudice. Christian Slade's black and white drawings nicely complement Rogan's charming tale. Young readers are sure to be both transported by this old-fashioned adventure and happlily challenged by some of the vocabulary.

    --- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman

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