October 15, 2017
A quiet young bunny longing for adventure becomes involved with a band of elite rabbits dedicated to safeguarding the royal family of England. With his "narrow shoulders, his scrawny body," and "red eye patch worn to correct his squint," Shylo appears weak and feeble but aspires to be "clever and brave." His secret pal, Horatio, an elderly, battle-scarred rabbit who's barred from mixing with Shylo's community, fills Shylo with stories about the Royal Rabbits of London, a secret society beneath Buckingham Palace that protects the royal family. When Shylo overhears three "big, greasy, menacing rats" with cameras discussing a map that reveals a secret tunnel to the queen's bedroom, where they plan to take a compromising photo of her in her nightie and sell it online for 1 million pounds, Shylo tells Horatio. The old warrior quickly dispatches him, with detailed instructions, to warn the Royal Rabbits. Following a secret tunnel and hiding in vegetable crates, Shylo arrives in London, where he makes contact with the Royal Rabbits and, propelled by his desire to be brave, uses his wits to thwart the ratty scheme. An eccentric cast of secret operative and commando rabbits plus lively black-and-white illustrations add a comic flair. A humorous, fast-paced adventure with a surprisingly engaging and inspiring hero who discovers "anything in the world is possible." (Animal fantasy. 8-12)
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November 1, 2017
Gr 4-6-Shylo Tawny-Tail isn't much to look at. A thin, scrawny, weak-eyed young rabbit, he is the target of much teasing and bullying by his older siblings. But his imagination and quick thinking allow him to dream. He listens to tales of the Royal Rabbits of London, a secret society of rabbits living under Buckingham Palace. Their sworn mission is to protect the Queen and her honor. When Shylo overhears a plot by the evil Ratzis to besmirch the Queen, he is tasked with warning the Royal Rabbits. Trembling and self-doubting, he travels from his country warren to the palace. The Royal Rabbits are strong, fearless, and dedicated. They take Shylo's information seriously and he becomes part of a team with a hugely important mission. Still fearful, his self-esteem improves as others believe in him. Ultimately, it is Shylo's sharp nose and smart thinking that ensure success. Shylo is the classic bullied character who comes out on top. The loose and sketchy pen-and-ink drawings bring Shylo, the Royal Rabbits, and the evil Ratzis to life. Frequent mentions of technology may date the story. While this is no Watership Down or Winnie-the-Pooh, Shylo is a memorable character who overcomes bullying and gains self-confidence. VERDICT This would also work well as a bedtime read-aloud.-Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 6, 2017
The Montefiores, who are spouses and bestselling adult authors, shine in their debut collaboration and first book for children, which blends a contemporary setting with old-fashioned charms. Originally published in the U.K., their rabbit saga opens in rural England, where Shylo Tawny-Tail, an eye-patch-wearing runt of the litter, overhears three camera-toting rats—aka Ratzis—hatching a nefarious plan. They intend to sneak into the Queen’s bedroom in Buckingham Palace, photograph her in her nightie, and sell the scandalous pictures online. Horatio, the warren’s wise elder, dispatches Shylo to warn the Royal Rabbits who live below the palace and protect the royals: “Go! By will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet nose, and a slice of mad courage!” Shylo wends his way to London and, conquering fears and self-doubt, leads the delightfully eccentric Royal Rabbits on a labyrinthine search for a secret tunnel to foil the rats’ paparazzi-style scheme. Composed of whisker-thin lines, newcomer Hindley’s scratchy b&w illustrations echo the classic qualities of this polished animal fantasy driven, of all things, by a defense of one’s right to privacy in a digital world. Ages 8–12.