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WORK TITLE: The Gift of Dark Hollow
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.kmlarwood.com/
CITY: Isle of Wight
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COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME: SATA 297
http://anima-libri.com/interviews/kieran-larwood http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/freaks-0
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Kenya; married; children: two.
EDUCATION:Graduated from Southampton University; attended Falmouth College of Art.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and educator. Primary-school teacher on Isle of Wight, England.
AWARDS:London Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition winner, 2011, for Freaks; Blue Peter Award, 2017, for Podkin One-Ear.
WRITINGS
Author’s work has been translated into German.
SIDELIGHTS
Born in Kenya, Kieran Larwood grew up on England’s Isle of Wight, where he now works as a primary-school teacher. Larwood became interested in writing and storytelling after discovering J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit at age six, and his own fictional work earned first prize in the London Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition before being published as Freaks.
Set in Victorian-era London, when social conventions were far cruder, Freaks introduces a group of sideshow performers whose members use their unique powers and physical characteristics to fight crime in the dark corners of the city. Central among them is Sheba the Wolf Girl, a hirsute young woman with the muzzle and claws of an animal, a keen sense of smell, and a kindly and compassionate nature. Monkey Boy also has animalistic traits: he is a fast and agile climber and can create debilitating stink bombs from his own waste. Sister Moon, a ninja-like fighter, has the ability to move, react, and perceive the world at incredible speed, while Mama Rat controls her group of trained, intelligent rodents. The largest among them, Gigantus is a physical giant with incredible strength and endurance. Shortly after their troupe arrives in London, led by a vile new owner, Sheba and her freak-show friends discover that the children of the trash-pickers working near the mud flats of the River Thames have been disappearing. With their wits and enhanced abilities to guide them, the group decides to discover where these children have been taken and who or what is doing the taking. Soon, they are embroiled in a dangerous situation that threatens not only their friendships and livelihoods, but also their lives.
Liz Sundermann, reviewing Freaks in the Voice of Youth Advocates, praised Larwood’s depiction of his unusual characters, noting that individuals “who, at first, seem reviling or frightening, end up being portrayed as complex and wholly human.” The story “emphasizes solidarity, loyalty, and each character’s special gifts,” wrote Horn Book critic Deirdre F. Baker, and a Publishers Weekly reviewer maintained that the “weird and serious sides of the story balance each other nicely.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor predicted of Freaks that, “peppered by gentle gross-out humor,” Larwood’s “mystery … will appeal to young steampunk fans.”
Larwood first published Podkin One-Ear in 2016, the start of “The Five Realms” series. The mutant, part-iron rabbit clan, the Gorm, invade Munbury Warren in search of the magical Starclaw knife. Podkin’s father, the chief, is killed and his mother is abducted, but he manages to flee with his siblings and the Starclaw, losing an ear in the process. An all-knowing, ancient rabbit seer takes them in and aids the refugees. Now chief, Podkin must come into his own and lead his people against the threat of the Gorm.
In an interview in Mr. Ripleys Enchanted Books, Larwood talked with Vincent Ripley about how he came to write Podkin One-Ear. Larwood explained that his most favorite description of the book “is ‘Watership Down meets Game of Thrones’.” Larwood also described the process of creating the titular character. “I wanted to explore how legends are made, and what the real people (or rabbits) would be like. So Podkin begins as a spoilt, lazy character who has to grow up very quickly. I also wanted children to be able to identify with him, so he often feels very frightened and vulnerable, but manages to overcome it when he needs to.”
Larwood also talked about the book in an interview in the World Outside the Window website. In discussing the origins for the story world, Larwood recalled: “I had an idea of the type of story I wanted to write, and I knew I wanted it to be a fantasy, as that’s my favourite genre. The idea for the rabbit world came from doodles of armoured rabbits I had been doing for years. I saw some when flicking through my old sketchbooks and thought it would be something fun to develop.” In the same interview, Larwood also shared his experiences in working with illustrator David Wyatt. He mentioned that “David has an amazing ability to draw images which are exactly the same as the pictures in my head when I am writing. He reads the book and sends through some roughs, which I can comment on if needed. But they are so incredible, I hardly ever have to suggest anything more than the tiniest tweaks.”
A contributor to Kirkus Reviews found it to be “an original fantasy with warrior rabbits, fierce foes, sibling loyalty, riveting adventure, and genuine storytelling.” Writing in School Library Journal, Sharon Rawlins insisted that “adventure-seeking fantasy lovers, especially ‘Redwall’ fans, will enjoy this nicely illustrated tale of rabbits fighting oppression and succeeding despite great odds.” Reviewing the book in School Librarian, Rachel Clarke reasoned that “this is a story for children who enjoy fantasy, quests (and of course rabbits).” Clarke mentioned that “Podkin One-Ear is a text that would read aloud well. The chapters are short and have frequent cliff-hangers.”
In 2018 Larwood published The Gift of Dark Hollow. Full of doubts that he can defeat the Gorm, Podkin uncovers the Moonfyre, a sacred gift from the Dark Hollows. With its power, he can transport himself across the shadows cast by the moonlight. He then goes searching for a mystical hammer that can forge arrows capable of killing the Gorm. A contributor to Kirkus Reviews noticed that “the narrative device of a story within a story perfectly fits this tale.” The same reviewer concluded that “great storytelling continues in this latest Longburrow adventure.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Horn Book, March 1, 2013, Deirdre F. Baker, review of Freaks, p. 109.
Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2013, review of Freaks; July 1, 2017, review of Podkin One-Ear; June 1, 2018, review of The Gift of Dark Hollow.
Publishers Weekly, February 4, 2013, review of Freaks, p. 65.
School Librarian, September 22, 2012, Frances Breslin, review of Freaks, p. 182; December 22, 2016, Rachel Clarke, review of Podkin One-Ear, p. 233.
School Library Journal, June 1, 2013, Miriam Lang Budin, review of Freaks, p. 130; May 1, 2017, Sharon Rawlins, review of Podkin One-Ear, p. 86.
Voice of Youth Advocates, June 1, 2013, Liz Sundermann, review of Freaks, p. 79.
ONLINE
Blair Partnership website, https://www.theblairpartnership.com/ (September 16, 2018), author interview.
Kieran Larwood website, http://www.kmlarwood.com (September 16, 2018).
Mr. Ripleys Enchanted Books, http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com/ (October 20, 2016), author interview.
Words for Life, http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk/ (September 16, 2018), author interview.
World Outside the Window, https://theworldoutsidethewindow.com/ (September 21, 2017), author interview.
Kieran Larwood, author of FREAKS, was the winner of the London Times Children's Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male kindergarten class teachers on the Isle of Wight. His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an 'accident' by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
For more information, please visit Kieran's website: www.kmlarwood.com or follow on Twitter: @kmlarwood
Read less
Kieran Larwood
What books did you read when you were a child?
I loved fantasy books of all types after first reading The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkein. My favourites were The Hounds of the Morrigan by Pat O’Shea and The Borribles by Michael De Larrabeiti.
If you could be a storybook character who would you be?
I would love to be someone from the Harry Potter world, so I could use magic. Professor Lupin is my favourite character. It would also be great to be someone from Philip Pullman’s books, so I could have my own daemon. I think it would be a sloth.
What is the best thing about reading?
Absolutely the best thing is that it can transport you to other worlds. Just shut the door, open a book and disappear into another universe.
What is your all time favourite book?
How can I pick just one?! I would have to say The Hobbit because it had such a huge influence on my life.
Other than reading books what is the most important thing a parent can do to help develop their children’s communication skills?
Listening and talking. But mostly listening. Talking over books together (or anything else) helps develop language and understanding.
How big a part did your parents play in encouraging your writing skills?
Well, they were very good at giving me lots of books to read when I was young, but I’m afraid they never took much interest in my writing. I think they thought it was just a crazy hobby of mine, right up until I got published!
How do you encourage your children or grandchildren to read, what books do you enjoy reading with them?
I let my children choose which books interest them most, and we read them together. I think it’s important that they follow their own fascinations. I also think it’s important for them to see adults reading, so we try and have times when everyone reads together. My eldest daughter and I have just started working our way through the Harry Potter series together, and she loves it as much as I do!
Kieran Larwood lives on the Isle of Wight, where he worked as a primary school teacher for fifteen long years. He now writes full time. He won the Times Children’s Fiction prize with his first book, Freaks, and the Blue Peter Book Award 2017 for his second book, Podkin One-Ear. The second instalment in Podkin’s story is released in September.
About Kieran Larwood
Kieran Larwood, author of The Peculiars, was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011. He graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. He has been passionate about stories ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six.
His second book for children, Podkin One-Ear, won the Blue Peter Award in 2017.
Kieran is one of only two male reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight. His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to work out who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
INTERVIEW WITH KIERAN LARWOOD: 2018 CARNEGIE MEDAL NOMINEE
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We are so proud to announce that Kieran Larwood, middle grade author of Freaks and the Podkin One Ear series, has been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 for The Legend of Podkin One Ear. The CILIP Carnegie Medal is awarded annually by CILIP for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people, and is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious book awards for children’s writing.
To mark the occasion we caught up with Kieran to talk all things Podkin.
Congratulations Kieran! The response to the Podkin series has been fantastic – winner of The Blue Peter Book Award 2017, Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month July 2017, and now nominee for the Carnegie Medal 2018. How does it feel knowing so many people are connecting with the characters and world that you have built?
I’ve been completely overwhelmed at the response to Podkin. I always hoped it would do well, but to have so many children saying they love the book, dressing up and drawing pictures of characters is amazing. It’s the reason I put so much blood, sweat and tears into becoming a writer, and it definitely makes it all worthwhile.
As a fantasy writer, what is it like working with big names such as Tolkien illustrator David Wyatt and Terry Pratchett’s US editor Anne Hoppe?
It’s another dream come true. David’s illustrations are so incredible, and I’m constantly amazed at the way he seems to recreate the exact pictures that were in my head when I was writing the books. Anne has been a dream to work with too, as have all the staff at Faber. It’s clear they really support the stories and the world I’ve built up, and the help and advice they give are invaluable.
You were originally the winner of the 2011 Times Chicken House Competition – what was the experience like going from a competition winner to a published author on your second series of books?
It was great to win the Chicken House competition, and I was so lucky to have such a huge break, but it has also been a big step in getting a series of books chosen by a publisher in a more traditional way. I was very worried at the time that I might not come up with an idea as good as my competition-winning one, but the response to Podkin has shown that it’s possible if you put the work and effort in.
What is the one message or feeling you would love for readers to take away from the Podkin series?
I have tried hard not to ‘preach’ too much in the books, as I think it’s important for children to draw their own messages and ideas from stories, but I think the overall lesson is that anyone can do great things if they try. I would love it if children who read the stories felt empowered to tackle things they find difficult with more confidence, even if- like Podkin discovers- it isn’t an easy thing to do.
Jane Austen had her table, and Ian Fleming had the Goldeneye Estate. Is there any particular place that you go or thing that you do in order to generate your inspiration and ideas?
I’m not lucky enough to have a studio yet, let alone an estate, but I do live amongst some beautiful, natural surroundings on the Isle of Wight. A lot of the stories are set amongst woods, forests and downs, so if ever I feel the need for a bit of inspiration, I head off into the countryside for a long walk
The second book in the series, Podkin One Ear: The Gift of Dark Hollow, published this Autumn with Faber & Faber. Rights to the Podkin series have so far been sold in five international territories.
I was born in Kenya, but only lived there for a year before moving back to the UK. I lived in Norwich and Wales, before finally ending up on the Isle of Wight when I was 8. I still live there now, although I did escape for several years. I even lived in London for a while. My brother is Marek Larwood, the TV comedian, and I am apparently a distant relative of Harold Larwood, the famous cricketer. (Although I can’t bowl for toffee).
I work as a Reception class teacher at a small Primary school, but my passion has always been writing stories– although a heavy workload and young family mean that I only have an hour or so, in between planning for school and collapsing into bed, to do it. A few years ago I started writing a story about a group of Victorian sideshow freaks and, after several rejections and lots of rewrites, I entered it into the Times/Chicken House competition for 2011. Somehow it won.
For more information, please check out the ‘Books‘ and Blog pages. I also have a page on my agent’s website (The Blair Partnership). Thanks for stopping by.
I recently arrived home excitedly clutching a new book for my seven-year old son, Samuel. Over the summer holiday he had become increasingly engrossed in his reading, devouring books at a tremendous rate of knots. This new book was called “The Legend of Podkin One-Ear”, a beautifully illustrated fantasy novel featuring a band of daring rabbits.
Samuel read the book in about two days and then insisted I read it, I mean he REALLY insisted. So I put down my copy of War and Peace (OK it was a Star Wars novel.) And started reading Podkin. I quickly realised I was onto something special and I could see why Samuel enjoyed it so much. This epic series is like a mash-up of The Animals of Farthing Wood and The Hobbit. It also has elements of Watership Down and even the Dark Crystal. I was not surprised to find out that the author, Kieran Larwood, is a self-confessed Hobbit fan. Adding to the book’s Tolkien-esque feel, with his fantastically realised trees and leaves, is the contribution of illustrator, David Wyatt, who has completed work for some of J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories.
The drawings combined with the grand scale of the story add to the sense that this is an ambitious exercise in world building. I do not compare the book to Farthing Wood or others glibly as there are some dark scenes lurking behind the seemingly child friendly veneer of questing rabbits with swords. Like Watership Down and Farthing Wood the main characters, Podkin, Paz and Pook, face death and the destruction of their home by a mysterious and wicked army of altered rabbits called the Gorm. (Think of Peter Rabbit meets the Borg and you’re somewhere near the mark.) These eclectic parts work thrillingly and I would recommend these books for all ages.
Samuel and I enjoyed the book so much there was only one thing for it, I decided to reach out to Kieran Larwood and invite him over to The World Outside HQ for a chat and some carrot stew. He agreed so I asked Samuel if he wanted to ask any questions and whether he wanted to do a book review, he thought this was a good idea so here it goes.
Samuel’s book Review
“I love this book. It is the first proper big book I have read. The Gorm were evil and they shouldn’t have dug so deep. The rabbits were cute but my favourite character is Podkin because he was brave and always comes up with good ideas. I liked the Bard and I know something about him Daddy that I won’t tell you until you’ve finished the book.”
Daddy’s Questions for Kieran Larwood
“Stories belong to the teller”, says the bard. “At least half of them do. The other part belongs to the listeners. When a good story is told to a good listener, the pair of them own it together.” – The Legend of Podkin One-Ear
This is one of my favourite lines in the book and for me typifies the books narrative attitude to the importance of story-telling. Why is telling stories important to you?
Passing on stories is a way of passing on culture, tradition and history, and it’s been a human tradition for hundreds of thousands of years. But more than that, I think it’s a way for children to develop their imagination and to think about and deal with things that are outside their experience. Good stories hopefully inspire creativity and ‘thinking outside the box’.
Where did the idea for The Five Realms series come from?
I had an idea of the type of story I wanted to write, and I knew I wanted it to be a fantasy, as that’s my favourite genre. The idea for the rabbit world came from doodles of armoured rabbits I had been doing for years. I saw some when flicking through my old sketchbooks and thought it would be something fun to develop.
As someone who works with children what I really loved about the book was that it never talks down to children, I think anyone of any age can enjoy this story. Is this an important philosophy for you?
Yes, I really don’t like pigeon-holing books by age. I think good stories can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s also fun to add in a few jokes for parents along the way.
On the same theme I enjoyed that the story has elements of fairly dark fantasy, I found it genuinely creepy in places, alongside more apparent children’s book themes like questing rabbits etc. there is something for everyone. Sometimes it feels like we sanitise things too much for young people. Do you think it is important to introduce young readers to danger and peril in an age appropriate way?
I do. If you look at the earliest versions of traditional fairy tales, they were quite horrific! Reading is a great way for children to experience situations and emotions that are new or alien to them, which is why many old stories had a moral or were cautionary. I think everyone also enjoys being scared a little (from the comfort of their own home!)
What are some of your favourite works of fiction for children?
My childhood favourites are the books that influence me still. I love ‘The Hobbit’, ‘The Borribles’ by Michael de Larrabeiti and ‘The Hounds of the Morrigan’ by Pat O’Shea.
I read that you are a reception school teacher, a challenging (yet rewarding) job at the best of times, how do you balance writing and teaching? And do you ever sleep?
I’ve actually just left my teaching post to focus on writing (for as long as I can pay the bills!) because it was becoming so difficult to manage both. Teaching is a very demanding job, and to do it well takes up a huge amount of time. Trying to combine that with writing was actually making me quite ill!
How did you feel about the Blue Peter Award and has that changed anything for you?
I am so honoured to have won that award, especially as it was one chosen by children. Winning any kind of award like that is brilliant for an author, as it boosts their profile, and hopefully encourages lots more people to buy their books. It’s very difficult for emerging authors to get noticed, so the Blue Peter Award has been amazing.
Did you work closely with David Wyatt on the illustrations? How did that process work?
David has an amazing ability to draw images which are exactly the same as the pictures in my head when I am writing. He reads the book and sends through some roughs, which I can comment on if needed. But they are so incredible, I hardly ever have to suggest anything more than the tiniest tweaks.
Can you tell me where the humans went in the Podkin series? Are we in some dystopian future? (or can’t you tell me because of spoilers?)
Spoilers, I’m afraid!
What can we expect from book three?
Book 3 continues the struggle against the Gorm, and also the bard’s story. It’s the end of the trilogy, (but not the end of Podkin’s adventures!) so there’s going to be a big climax. I think I’d better stop there before I give too much away…
Any tips for aspiring young writers?
Read, read and read some more! And write lots too. Short stories are great to get started. Try out different voices and styles and just enjoy it. Eventually your own style will come, and when you are ready you can have a go at a novel. Oh, and keep a notebook or six on the go for all your ideas.
“This epic series is like a mash-up of The Animals of Farthing Wood and The Hobbit.” – The World Outside the Window
Samuel’s Questions
Do you have any pets?
Hi Samuel! Yes. I have two leopard geckos, and a very annoying dog.
Did your children read the book?
My two youngest are a bit little, but my eldest daughter has read it five times now! She’s just started reading the second book, ‘The Gift of Dark Hollow’.
Where did the idea for the Gorm come from?
They started off just being invading rabbits, a bit like the Vikings. I told my agent that I was worried about making them too scary, but she said I should ‘go for it’, so I did! I think the scariest thing is how they spread like a virus, or a nasty idea…
Thank you Kieran for agreeing to this interview, giving some great answers and some inspiring advice to young writers.
The first two books in The Five Realms Series are available now at all good book shops and online.
Check out Kieran’s website for the latest news and updates. – Kieran Larwood
Coinciding neatly with my interview with Kieran is the birthday of our great friend Bilbo Baggins, because The Hobbit is 80 years old, check out this Time article for more information and happy birthday Bilbo.
Oct
20
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Interview with Kieran Larwood - Podkin One-Ear (Faber & Faber)
Kieran Larwood's latest book, Podkin One-Ear, is about a legend: a fearsome warrior rabbit whose reputation for cunning and triumph in battle has travelled the ages. It is a magically illustrated fantasy affair that everyone will love, regardless of age. To tempt you all to read it, I have asked the author a range of questions regarding the book and his writing career. I hope that you enjoy this interview and it will grab you enough to pick up this book and read it, unless you have already done so.
Podkin One-Ear is out now in all good bookshops and has been published by Faber &Faber in October 2016.
Welcome Kieran Larwood to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books...
Tell us a little bit about yourself perhaps something not many people know.
I live on the Isle of Wight where, as well as writing, I still work as a primary school teacher. I have four children and, just because my life wasn’t hectic enough, have recently adopted the world’s most annoying dog. I won the Times Children’s Fiction prize in 2011 with my first novel, and my second has just been published by Faber. Most people don’t know that my writing started accidentally– I always wanted to be a comic book artist, and I only discovered, while writing the scripts, that I actually enjoyed it more than drawing.
How would do you sum up Podkin One-Ear to potential readers?
My favourite comparison so far is ‘Watership Down meets Game of Thrones’. It’s a children’s fantasy set in a world populated by a race of rabbits. A bard arrives at a warren in the depths of winter and begins to tell the real tale behind the legend of Podkin One-Ear: a chieftain’s son who has to fight to save his world from an evil race of armoured rabbits.
In the book Podkin One-Ear is a fearsome warrior rabbit, how did you start to bring his character to life?
I wanted to explore how legends are made, and what the real people (or rabbits) would be like. So Podkin begins as a spoilt, lazy character who has to grow up very quickly. I also wanted children to be able to identify with him, so he often feels very frightened and vulnerable, but manages to overcome it when he needs to.
Does your book have a lesson or a moral behind it?
I didn’t consciously give it a lesson, as I just wanted to focus on making it an epic story, but you could probably draw quite a few morals from it. Mostly that even the smallest, most timid of us can still do amazing things if we try. That and how important your family and friends are.
What did you edit out of this book?
I didn’t have to remove very much at all, luckily, but I did change quite a few things from the first draft. Originally, Podkin’s magic dagger spoke (and was very sarcastic) and the Gorm were just a race of invading rabbits, a bit like the Vikings. I was worried about making the story too dark and scary, but my agent told me to go for it, so I did!
David Wyatt has done a cracking job on the illustrations, what are your personal thoughts about these? Do you have any favourites?
I literally could not be happier with David’s work. It’s like he has a telepathic link to the world in my head! He is such an incredible artist– it’s an honour to have him illustrating my story.
I love all of his pictures, but I think the scene of Boneroot, the underground beggars’ city, is my favourite. Every time I look at it, I spot a new detail I haven’t seen before.
You're hosting a literary dinner party, which authors/illustrators would you invite?
It would have to be a fantasy-themed one. Guest of honour would be J.R.R.Tolkein, also Terry Pratchett, Arthur Rackham, George R.R.Martin, J.K.Rowling, Robin Hobb,
Ursula Le Guin, Steph Swainston and China Mieville. I would sit in the corner, too in awe of everyone to even speak.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Definitely. At least for that first split second when it catches your eye and makes you pick it up. After that, you start flicking through and the writing takes over, but it’s the cover that first reels you in.
Have you written any other books that have not been published?
I did write one after Freaks and before Podkin that didn’t get taken up. It’s a Young Adult sci-fi novel that still needs a bit of work, but hopefully might see the light of day at some point.
Posted 20th October 2016 by Vincent Ripley
Larwood, Kieran: THE GIFT OF DARK HOLLOW
Kirkus Reviews. (June 1, 2018):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larwood, Kieran THE GIFT OF DARK HOLLOW Clarion (Children's Fiction) $16.99 8, 7 ISBN: 978-1-328-69601-4
In this sequel to Podkin One-Ear (2017), warrior rabbit Podkin embarks on a dangerous quest: to find and retrieve "the sacred hammer of Applecross."
After fleeing the Gorm, "hulking, clanking monsters of iron and flesh," Podkin, his older sister, and their younger brother endure winter with other refugee rabbits in Dark Hollow, an abandoned warren. Haunted by previous encounters with Gorm and "feeling useless and very sorry for himself," Podkin discovers Moonfyre, Dark Hollow's missing sacred gift, which enables its bearer to magically jump from shadow to shadow under moonlight. Overhearing visiting Applecross rabbits discussing a hammer capable of producing arrowheads that can kill Gorm, Podkin suppresses his fears and agrees to lead a search for the hammer. At great peril, they uncover the hammer, hidden in ruins on an island in a lake, only to be captured by Gorm, leaving Podkin to rely on his wits and Moonfyre. Once again, Podkin emerges the hero, willing to sacrifice himself, aided by helpers and magical objects. The narrative device of a story within a story perfectly fits this tale, in which storyteller Pook unfolds the saga of his older brother, Podkin, to an eager young apprentice as they journey to a gathering of bards. Inclusion of ancient rabbit lore and action-filled black-and-white illustrations adds depth and drama.
Great storytelling continues in this latest Longburrow adventure. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larwood, Kieran: THE GIFT OF DARK HOLLOW." Kirkus Reviews, 1 June 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A540723213/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=8abb073a. Accessed 6 Aug. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A540723213
Larwood, Kieran: PODKIN ONE-EAR
Kirkus Reviews. (July 1, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larwood, Kieran PODKIN ONE-EAR Clarion (Children's Fiction) $16.99 9, 5 ISBN: 978-1-328-69582-6
A traveling bard tells the story of how legendary warrior rabbit Podkin lost his ear and confronted the treacherous Gorm.When rabbits walked upright and lived in elaborate underground villages, Podkin "was perhaps the laziest, most spoiled son of a chieftain in the whole Five Realms." One Bramblemas Eve, the Gorm--mutant, evil, iron-infused, red-eyed rabbits--invade Munbury Warren searching for Starclaw, a magical knife. While the Gorm murder his father, Podkin flees with his sister, brother, and Starclaw. With the Gorm in pursuit, the siblings barely escape (Podkin sacrificing his ear in the process) and are rescued by an ancient rabbit healer/seer who seems to know everything about them. She sends them to an underground warren of other refugees from the Gorm, where they find allies, but can Podkin, now chieftain of Munbury Warren, hope to avenge his father and rescue his mother from the seemingly invincible Gorm? An omniscient third-person narrator speaks directly to readers, inviting them to listen to the mysterious storyteller who relates Podkin's gripping tale in language replete with amusing asides, rabbit lore, stories within stories, and a curious insider perspective. Realistic black-and-white illustrations highlight dramatic scenes. An original fantasy with warrior rabbits, fierce foes, sibling loyalty, riveting adventure, and genuine storytelling. (map) (Animal fantasy. 10-12)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larwood, Kieran: PODKIN ONE-EAR." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A497199583/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=0f88e07e. Accessed 6 Aug. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A497199583
Larwood, Kieran. Podkin One-Ear
Sharon Rawlins
School Library Journal. 63.5 (May 2017): p86+.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
LARWOOD, Kieran. Podkin One-Ear. illus. by David Wyatt. 256p. (Longburrow: Bk. 1). Clarion. Sept. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781328695826.
Gr 4-6--In this action-packed middle grade allegorical fantasy, a wandering rabbit bard recounts the legendary tale of Podkin OneEar to a rapt group of bunnies on Bramblemas Eve. He tells how Podkin defeated the evil, armored rabbits called the Gorm and their Lord Scramashank. When Podkin was eight, he, his older sister Paz, and his baby brother Pook fled their warren when the Gorm invaded and killed their chieftain father. The Gorm were once normal rabbits but mutated into deformed, metal-plated rabbits who kill, transform, or enslave the conquered rabbits. Podkin is unprepared for the role of hero, unlike Paz, who's a skilled fighter. Podkin's one advantage is the copper dagger his aunt thrust into his paws as the Gorm overran his warren. It's magical, with the power to cut through anything, except iron. It's one of the Twelve Gifts given to the first rabbit tribes at the start of time. The Gorm are hunting for these Gifts, and Podkin instinctively knows he mustn't let them get the dagger. With the Gorm on their tails, the siblings go from warren to warren, looking for refuge, navigating dangerous situations, and gathering friends and foes along the way. With the help of his family and newfound friends, Podkin finds the courage and strength to believe in himself and defeat the Gorm. VERDICT Adventure-seeking fantasy lovers, especially "Redwall" fans, will enjoy this nicely illustrated tale of rabbits fighting oppression and succeeding despite great odds.--Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Rawlins, Sharon. "Larwood, Kieran. Podkin One-Ear." School Library Journal, May 2017, p. 86+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491032093/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=0c285bab. Accessed 6 Aug. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491032093
Larwood, Kieran: Podkin One-Ear
Rachel Clarke
School Librarian. 64.4 (Winter 2016): p233.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 The School Library Association
http://www.sla.org.uk/school-librarian.php
Full Text:
Larwood, Kieran
Podkin One-Ear
Faber, 2016, pp288, 9.99 [pounds sterling]
978 0 571 32840 6
It's Bramblemas Eve when a mysterious and aging storyteller arrives at Thornwood warren. The excited young rabbits, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Midwinter, plead for a song. He declines saying his voice it too old. But a story ... he'll tell them a story ... a story of Podkin One-ear. Not the ones they think they know ... but the true tales of Podkin One-Ear.
This is a story for children who enjoy fantasy, quests (and of course rabbits). Podkin starts out as an unlikely hero. Circumstances force him to change and by the end of the book he's a decisive and brave leader. Podkin is the type of hero a young reader could aspire to become. The characters are well-rounded and everything we would expect from a fantasy-quest: good, bad, cowardly, and brave. There are constant hurdles to over-come and battles to be won. There are magical weapons to use and alliances to be made.
As an example of such an established sector of children's literature, comparisons with many other texts are bound to be made and it certainly does offer an alternative text for children who are less-confident readers in Year 6 looking for a fantasy novel.
Podkin One-Ear is a text that would read aloud well. The chapters are short and have frequent cliff-hangers. The text also slips between the story of Podkin and the Midwinter burrow at Thornwood; a device that gives cohesion but also reminds us that we are listening to a tale woven by the visiting storyteller. And as a final point, Keiran Larwood is clearly aware of the lure of hearing this story told aloud and during the story has the bard tell us:
'Stories belong to the teller, ' says the bard. 'At least half of them do. The other part belongs to the listeners. When a good story is told to a good listener, the pair of them own it together.'
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Clarke, Rachel. "Larwood, Kieran: Podkin One-Ear." School Librarian, Winter 2016, p. 233. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A478639548/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=93e3519a. Accessed 6 Aug. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A478639548