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 . . .
--back cover

Poppy

Brian Floca

Caroline Lewicki

Poppy was a very sweet story. I really enjoyed the sense of adventure and the message to believe in yourself. It was a quick, fun read that I think any emerging chapter book reader would enjoy!

Elisabeth Bontrager

Kelsey Lynn

It is scary to look Mr. Ocax in the eyes. Especially if you are a deer mouse and only six inches long (and three inches of that is your tail). Besides, if you are Poppy you would rather be dancing in the moonlight. Instead, you have to defend yourself against the tyranny of Mr. Ocax, a great horned owl, who, compared to you, is huge.

Mr. Ocax has declared himself king of Dimwood Forest, claiming that he alone protects the mice from porcupines. In order to expand beyond Gray House (where they have lived since the farmer left), the mouse family must ask Mr. Ocax's consent. He refuses, saying that Poppy and her boyfriend did not request permission for a little dancing on Bannock Hill. That moment begins all the trouble.

Frightening trouble, as it turns out, for Poppy must come face-to-face with a dreaded porcupine and, equally alone, confront Mr. Ocax at his most fierce. It's then that Poppy learns there is no bully worse than a bully whose bluff is called. 

In this charmingly pictured fable, Avi calls courage by its rightful name. And celebrates it.
--front flap

Poppy

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