The Creature of the Pines: The Unicorn Rescue Society, Book 1
By Mary Eisenhart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Kids save mythical creature in sweet, funny fantasy.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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Based on 4 parent reviews
Fun but some political themes
Love this whole series
What's the Story?
THE CREATURE OF THE PINES meets kid Elliot Eisner, who likes an orderly life, and also being well prepared for what's coming up -- which happens less and less as the story unfolds. Elliot's already bummed about having to start a new school several weeks into the new year, but then things really run off the rails: It turns out the class is going on a field trip on his very first day. Their destination is the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, site of much history, cultural significance, and interesting nature -- to say nothing of the Jersey Devil, a winged, furry, red-and-blue mythical being reported in the area for centuries, who sounds a lot like the fierce little critter Elliot and fellow new kid Uchenna find in distress and then rescue. Now what?
Is It Any Good?
Deft storyteller Adam Gidwitz's new series about mythical beings and the kids who rescue them is off to a great start in this lighthearted, funny tale with positive messages that never get preachy. Whimsical illustrations from Hatem Ali help define the characters and setting as well as advance the story. As The Creature of the Pines emerges from the woods and changes the lives of school kids, there are strong themes of friendship, imagination, courage, and kindness -- and also appreciating diversity. Here, adult character Dr. Thomas, descended from runaway slaves, fleeing Native Americans, and Irish, Jewish, and French people who all sought refuge in the Pine Barrens, says, "I kind of think of myself as a mix of every race, every people in New Jersey. I'm like a medley -- a bunch of different songs all flowing together."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about legendary creatures still reported to be living around the world, like the Loch Ness Monster, or The Creature of the Pines. How do you think these tales spring up in different areas? What keeps them going?
Are there local legends where you live about the people (or creatures) who used to live there? Are they exciting? Do you believe any of them?
If you had to start at a new school in the middle of the school year, what would be the hardest thing to deal with? What might be great?
Book Details
- Author: Adam Gidwitz
- Illustrator: Hatem Aly
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Friendship , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
- Publication date: April 10, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 176
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 13, 2018
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