Urchin of the Riding Stars- M.I. McAllister

First in the Mistmantle Chronicles, Urchin of the Riding Stars is a delightful animal fantasy book which would appeal to competent readers from grade four right through to at least grade eight. Reminding me very much of a younger version of the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, this series focuses on life in Mismantle where events have pretty much moved along peacefully for some time. But times are changing, and Lord Husk and Lady Aspen are determined to find a way to depose the king and take over the rule of the kingdom. Framing Captain Crispin for the murder of the king’s young son, and banishing him from the kingdom, seems to be a good start. But they have not accounted for Urchin, an unusual squirrel with an uncertain background, who has arrived in Mistmantle by falling through the stars, fulfilling one of the prophecies. Urchin, loyal, fearless, and trustworthy, along with other of the animal races are able to thwart the evil Husk’s plans. All’s well but with a sequel , you know that only more adventure lies ahead for Urchin and his colleagues.

This was referred to me by a parent at my school, and is indeed, an excellent recommend for your fanatsy lovers. Hopefully, it will lead some of them to Watership Down in future years, one of the best animal fantasy books ever written.