"We'll meet her in the conservatory.
I set everything out earlier.
I made ham triangles, deviled eggs,
cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon rolls,
my FAMOUS cream buns ...
OH MY!
What a MESS!"
Turns out a hyena isn't dainty at all. The high tea set for mutual enjoyment is ruined by two things - starting before guests arrive and standing on the table. Something must be done!
This is the second book in the aptly-named A POLITE PREDATORS BOOK series. I have great admiration for Rachel Poliquin's innate humor and her passion for research. She fuses the two in books that attract young fans and captivate those who share her books with them. Kathryn Durst creates art that absolutely complements Rachel's words and humor.
A cockroach named Celeste acts as a guide in helping a young girl (you, the reader) for a teachable moment. So long as the reader follows the advice given, all should be well. After all, this cockroach is a survivalist and very classy. Celeste starts out describing a hyena named Ruby. Admittedly, trying to have tea with a wild animal can be tricky. Celeste is fascinated by bad ideas, and sets out to find a way for the two to have a successful meal together.
Described in a series of nine steps, each filled with plenty of fascinating information about the hyena, and descriptions of the preparations for hosting high tea. Some of the suggestions for accommodating a wild animal of Ruby's ilk can be downright dangerous, others are funny and often ridiculous. All are engaging and very entertaining. Kids will be fascinated and perhaps even frightened at times. They will learn a lot about the hyena, as well as the etiquette for hosting a tea party. It's all great fun!
In the pages of her Encyclopedia of Dangers and Perils, Celeste makes an unsettling discovery:
"Let me see, let me see ...
Hurricane ...
Hydrogen bomb ...
Ah, here we go,
HYENAS!
Hyenas love meaty dinners
but also eat fruits, eggs,
fish, snakes and ...
BUGS."
Yikes!
Before she signs off, Ms. Poliquin teases readers with a suggestion that this is not the last in this unique and inviting series .... whoop!
No comments:
Post a Comment