The Zebra's Great Escape

Writing in the tradition of rumbustious British children's classics, Rundell (One Christmas Wish) introduces Mink, a headstrong city-dwelling child who "did not believe in bedtimes." Her surprising encounter with a baby zebra named Gabriel in a park--deserted because all the other children are home in bed--leads to a search for the mustachioed villain who has captured Gabriel's parents. Mink first learns Gabriel's telepathic form of communication ("The colors shifted and sharpened. They were red, and orange, and urgent"), then tries it out with other animals to appeal for information about Gabriel's family. Startlingly fresh descriptions ("A long tongue reached out and licked a little snot from the inside of Mink's nostril"), comedic dialogue ("I swear it on the life of my goldfish"), and rousing adventure ("To ride on the back of a zebra! That was a thing not even a king could do") keep this cracking yarn galloping toward a theatrical climax. Boldly lined and colored artwork by Ogilvie (Dogs Don't Do Ballet) contributes additional bursts of comic energy to a rollicking hero story for a new generation of wildlife protectors. Human characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 5-9. (Aug.)

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Baked into this satisfying story are messages about compassion, courage, and helping others, morals that are effortlessly integrated.

A throwback to an earlier era of children’s publishing, in the absolute best of ways. 

"Originally published in Great Britain, this book evades easy classification. Ogilvie's lively, vibrantly colored art—with dramatic page-turns and a mix of immersive full-bleed illustrations, spot art, and vignettes—caters to a picture-book audience. But despite the book's picture-book trim size, Rundell's lengthy three-part story acknowledges readers ready for something longer. ?e irreverent, zany tone starts right away on the first page, when Gabriel, a zebra searching for his kidnapped parents, gains the attention of human child Mink. When Gabriel licks "a little snot from the inside of Mink's nostril," it causes her to fall and bump her head, triggering her ability to communicate with Gabriel—and with all creatures, as she soon discovers. Harnessing her inherent bravery and goodwill, Mink solicits help from a curmudgeonly, misunderstood dog, who summons a chain of animal helpers. ?ey rescue a horde of animal captives, held by the villain, Mr. Spit, who intends to preserve them for his taxidermy collection. Once released, the vengeful animals bare "one thousand six hundred and eighty-four teeth," leaving Mr. Spit without any clothes, "his bottom wafting naked in the breeze." But it's not all snot, spit, and a naked bottom in service of cheekiness. ?is heartwarming, offbeat story celebrates silliness, empathy, and courage in equal measure. ­"—Horn Book "September/October Issue"
*Mink, awake long after other children are in bed, hears a strange noise and goes to investigate. She's astonished to find a baby zebra in the foliage and instantly gets the uncanny sense that the zebra, Gabriel, can communicate via colorful flashes of feeling. Mink sneaks Gabriel up to her apartment bedroom (no easy task) and learns he's been separated from his parents and is desperate to be reunited. The unlikely pair formulates a plan to find Gabriel's family. It's revealed that they've been detained by the dreadful Mr. Spit, an alphabetical animal collector who slinks around with a sneaky smile and thin mustache. Not to worry: Mink, Gabriel, and a host of animal allies will stop at nothing to secure the captives' freedom. It's a classic charmer from start to finish, from the cheeky conversations to the exuberant artwork spilling off every page. Each spread has a different delightful format, with swirling shapes framing the humorous text and a slightly wild quality sure to entrance any young reader. There are a few frightening moments, and Mr. Spit feels like a dastardly villain of old, meeting a dark end in accordance with his dark deeds, but the overall air is one of joy and affection. A riveting and rambunctious read for any animal aficionado. —Booklist, STARRED Review "6/1/24"
*

A young girl befriends a frightened zebra—and a host of other animals.

Rundell's three-part text is longer than that of most contemporary picture books, like something from William Steig or Roald Dahl. And what a story it is! Mink, a light-skinned, dark-haired girl, forms a telepathic bond with a young zebra. Named Gabriel, the zebra has escaped from bad guy Mr. Spit, a light-skinned animal collector who seems styled after Snidely Whiplash. He and all the characters Ogilvie illustrates are filled with a vitality that would do Quentin Blake proud, heightening the story's humor and helping to visualize how Mink wordlessly communicates with Gabriel and the other animals they encounter. First, they enlist the help of Rainbow, a grumpy dog with a heart of gold. He activates something of an animal-kingdom whisper network that sends a message to find Gabriel's parents, whom Mr. Spit has imprisoned as the last victims in his dastardly plan to capture, kill, stuff, and display a pair of animals for each letter of the alphabet. But Mink stirs up good mischief as she and the animals join forces to defeat Mr. Spit. Messages about compassion, courage, and helping others, morals are effortlessly integrated into this satisfying tale.

A throwback to an earlier era of children's publishing, in the absolute best of ways. (Picture book. 4-9)

—Kirkus reviews, STARRED "6/15/24"
Writing in the tradition of rumbustious British children's classics, Rundell (One Christmas Wish) introduces Mink, a headstrong city-dwelling child who "did not believe in bedtimes." Her surprising encounter with a baby zebra named Gabriel in a park—deserted because all the other children are home in bed—leads to a search for the mustachioed villain who has captured Gabriel's parents. Mink first learns Gabriel's telepathic form of communication ("The colors shifted and sharpened. They were red, and orange, and urgent"), then tries it out with other animals to appeal for information about Gabriel's family. Startlingly fresh descriptions ("A long tongue reached out and licked a little snot from the inside of Mink's nostril"), comedic dialogue ("I swear it on the life of my goldfish"), and rousing adventure ("To ride on the back of a zebra! That was a thing not even a king could do") keep this cracking yarn galloping toward a theatrical climax. Boldly lined and colored artwork by Ogilvie (Dogs Don't Do Ballet) contributes additional bursts of comic energy to a rollicking hero story for a new generation of wildlife protectors. Human characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 5-9. (Aug.)—Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW "4/15/2024"