The Creature of the Pines: The Unicorn Rescue Society
by
Adam Gidwitz & Hatem Aly
Order:
USA
Can
Dutton, 2018 (2018)
Hardcover, e-Book
Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
T
he Creature of the Pines
is the first book in Adam Gidwitz's
Unicorn Rescue Society
chapter book series, illustrated by Hatem Aly and aimed at young readers aged eight to twelve.
T
he story opens on Elliot Eisner's first day at a new school. Terrifying Professor Fauna (a social studies teacher who's said to believe in unicorns) takes the class on a field trip into the strange Pine Barrens, warning them of mortal danger in the forest. On the bus, Elliot befriends Uchenna Devereaux, '
who looked like the lead singer in a punk rock band.
'
W
hen they hear growling, Uchenna leaves the group to investigate, soon followed by a very frightened Elliot. They rescue a small winged creature tangled in a ribbon, to find out later that it's a very hungry
Jersey Devil
! He purrs at them and accompanies them, hidden in a backpack.
O
f course, this leads to trouble, which sends them to Professor Fauna for help. They team together to rescue their small new friend, who in turn rescues them. As this episode ends, Professor Fauna enrolls the two in a secret society, one that protects mythical creatures from danger. This first
Unicorn Rescue Society
adventure has lots happening and is tons of fun.
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