The Wild Ones

July 13, 2015
When Kit and his parents, "Big Sky raccoons," are attacked in the woods, Kit flees for his mother's hometown of Ankle Snap Alley and an uncle he's never met. The Wild Ones of Ankle Snap prove to be a motley group of "thieves and crooks and cheats," but they are nothing compared to the Flealess, ruthless indoor pets determined to take back the Alley thanks to a promise made long ago. When Kit realizes his parents were attacked because of a clue from the legendary First Raccoon, Kit, Uncle Rik, and new friend Eeni race to find the Bone of Contention, a hidden contract extending the Wild Ones' stay. London (the Dog Tags series) delivers a classic hero's journey, with adventure and danger waiting behind every tree trunk and garbage can. As Kit contends with dangerous characters like Gayle, a ravenous alligator, he discovers the courage and sensibility necessary to lead the residents of Ankle Snap. The sharp, lively descriptions ("like dynamite in a silk purse") shine while the exhilarating finale illustrates that home is wherever your "howl to snap" friends live. Ages 8â12. Agent: Robert Guinsler, Sterling Lord Literistic.

April 15, 2015
Treacherous urban pets try to renege on an ancient deal with the wild residents of a city alleyway, and a young raccoon finds himself caught in the middle in this all-animal dramedy. His parents done in by a pack of hired bloodhounds, Kit flees his beloved woodlands for squalid Ankle Snap Alley, a wretched hive of scum and villainy, where he immediately falls afoul of a pair of raccoon hustlers and the feared Rabid Rascals gang. Worse yet, he is also targeted by miniature greyhound Titus, leader of the Flealess (or house pets), and vicious cat Sixclaw. They think he carries a possible clue to the whereabouts of the missing Bone of Contention that accords the alley's formerly feral residents a right to settle there. Fortunately, Kit not only falls in with Eeni, a savvy rat who vows friendship "from howl to snap" (i.e., birth to, well...), but finds other allies too while proving himself no slouch when it comes to quick thinking and courage in the clutch. Despite metal traps springing and some spilled blood, the tale features but one onstage death; London further lightens the load with references to such appetizing alley cuisine as Daily Trash Casserole plus a diverse supporting cast highlighted by evangelical church mice and a retired fighting cock-turned-hairdresser. Bold deeds, betrayals, and buffoonery kick off this series with gusto. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)

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August 1, 2015

Gr 3-6-A turf war is about to erupt in Ankle Snap Alley. The People's pets are determined to rid the city of the wild ones, and are willing to do anything to bury an ancient truce-the Bone of Contention-that allows for their coexistence. When Kit, a young raccoon, gets his paws on an artifact connected to Azban, the First Raccoon, that is a clue to the bone's whereabouts, his life is torn apart. The People's pets destroy his home and kill his parents, leaving Kit to traverse the unfamiliar city in search of an uncle he's never met and a bone few animals believe really exists. With the help of a rat named Eeni, Kit is determined to ensure that his parent's death wasn't in vain and keep the alley forever wild. London packs the story with adventure and a lively assortment of characters. Readers will root for Kit as he tangles with scoundrels, liars, and even a hungry crocodile. Kit is a likable main character who exemplifies the importance of perseverance and bravery. VERDICT A promising new series for fans of animal adventure.-Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

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