Why did the Chickenhare cross the wintry terrain? Why, to flee a maniacal taxidermist, of course.
Chickenhare, a leporine creature with feathers and chicken legs, and his companion, a bearded turtle named Abe, have been captured and taken to the house of Klaus, a demented taxidermist who delights in torturing and preserving unusual "pets" and has an unsettling resemblance to another, more festive Claus. Determined to escape, the pair team up with two other strange creatures named Meg and Banjo who await a similar fate in Klaus' lair. Don't think that this amalgamated cast of characters is the pinnacle of this offering's whimsy; this peculiar party will also include a monocled ghost-goat, a cranky Krampus and a race of cute but deadly beings with razor teeth known as Shromphs. Jokes run high, insults are easily and often slung, and cheap gags run rampant; these factors combine for an imaginative, outlandish and rollicking adventure, one that’s sure to pique the interest of preteen boys who seek silly over scholarly. Originally published by Dark Horse in 2006, this reissue adds vibrant color and valuable depth to Grine’s illustrations, creating a pleasingly odd world readers can easily slide into and explore.
Twisted, weird and fun. (Graphic fantasy/adventure. 9-14)
