Poppy
Author: Avi
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Book 2 in the Dimwood Forest series
Pages: 164
Published: 1995
Age: 8+
In Dimwood Forest, all the mice know that moving beyond Grey House requires the permission of the great horned owl, Mr. Ocax. No one but Mr. Ocax can guarantee protection against the horrible porcupines who lurk in the forest, waiting to grab innocent creatures. He frequently reminds the trusting mice of his importance, as he snatches careless ones for his frequent meals. But Poppy is a curious mouse, and a little foolish. When she is caught dancing in the moonlight on Bannock Hill, she soon faces not only the great owl, but a huge porcupine, and an impossible challenge.
Poppy is a warm and lively tale for young readers. Through the award-winning talents of the master storyteller Avi, the tiny creature's far-ranging adventure provides a hearty lesson about bullies and celebrates the strength of a courageous spirit.
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (1999); New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award (1999)
About the Dimwood Forest Series
Books in series order
- 1.Ragwood(1999)
- 2.Poppy(1995)
- 3.Poppy and Rye(1997)
- 4.Ereth's Birthday(2000)
- 5.Poppy's Return(2005)
- 6.Poppy and Ereth(2009)
- 7.Ragweed and Poppy(2021)
Reading age: 8+ years
This series should be read in order.
At the very edge of Dimwood Forest stood an old charred oak where, silhouetted by the moon, a great horned owl sat waiting. The owl's name was Mr. Ocax, and he looked like death himself. With his piercing gaze, he surveyed the lands he called his own, watching for the creatures he considered his subjects. Not one of them ever dared to cross his path . . . until the terrible night when two little mice went dancing in the moonlight . . .