{"id":8284244738285,"title":"The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow","handle":"the-perilous-performance-at-milkweed-meadow","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/elaine-dimopoulos\"\u003eElaine Dimopoulos\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doug-salati\"\u003eDoug Salati\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHow could a single storyteller ever compete with the magic of a performance?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" color=\"#000000\" face=\"Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif\" style=\"color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003eAfter their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back—now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling. But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew. When it turns out the turkeys—and the grand show—are not what they seem, Butternut's family and friends are suddenly in imminent danger. Butternut must figure out how to trust herself and find help. In the end, the hope is that friendship will win once more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeautiful and arresting black-and-white illustrations bring the animals to life in this heartwarming story about trust: trusting our instincts, trusting our creative talents, and trusting those who know and love us, even when it’s hard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" height=\"352\" width=\"100%\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/3CSLagwAqAtCR3Ug8x33tI?utm_source=generator\" style=\"border-radius: 12px;\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HDe2zOdHj48?si=5fJpyZcKL_pJ-2tt\" target=\"new\"\u003eEnjoy this message from author Elaine Dimopoulos\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow\"\u003eThe Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/d-39\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eD-39\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-spread.jpg?v=1699971760\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover.jpg?v=1699971760\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1699971760\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1675084156\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1675084156\"\u003eListen to Elaine on the \u003cem\u003eBetween the Pages\u003c\/em\u003e podcast\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElaine Dimopoulos, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElaine Dimopoulos holds an MFA in Writing from the Simmons University Center for the Study of Children’s Literature where she is now faculty. Elaine has received the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence Award and was named a St. Botolph Club Emerging Artist. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eMaterial Girls \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Turn the Tide.\u003c\/em\u003e Elaine lives in Belmont, MA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/elaine-dimopoulos\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Elaine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoug Salati, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoug Salati is the illustrator of several books for children, including \u003cem\u003ePip and Zip \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Lawrence in the Fall.\u003c\/em\u003e He is also the Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator of the picture book \u003cem\u003eHot Dog.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doug-salati\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Doug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovable lagomorph and remarkable raconteur Butternut details how the denizens of Milkweed Meadow narrowly missed a night of terror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I know you’re here for the story of the fearsome fire in the oak forest.” As in \u003ci\u003eThe Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow\u003c\/i\u003e (2023), Butternut immediately hooks readers. She then weaves a spellbinding tale that includes animal characters as well as Thalia, the “little female human” who’s secretly friends with Butternut. An acting troupe of wild turkeys—led by the eloquent Monty, who speaks in a Shakespearean cadence—have come to invite the meadow animals to take part in their summer show. Unfortunately, Butternut’s the only auditioning rabbit from her colony not to be cast. While she deals with disappointment, other developments arise. Will the blue jays let the turkeys use their eggs as props in the show? Why is that young gobbler Franklin so bad-tempered? Should the local rabbits, birds, and frogs be concerned about a circling hawk and a hovering raccoon? Are humans trustworthy? Suspense builds to a narrowly averted crisis that’s much darker than in the previous tale, but all’s well that ends well. Dimopoulos is as gifted a storyteller as her endearing hero, and she deftly folds in alliteration, theater terms, nature facts, and sparkling humor. Butternut’s musings and observations are thought provoking and perceptive. Thalia appears light-skinned in Salati’s delightful spot art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhimsical, witty, wise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the harrowing events of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (2023), young bunny Butternut is a renowned storyteller and respected resident of the expanded natural community, but she’s also harboring a secret: a burgeoning friendship with the human girl from the nearby house. Though many rules have changed to accommodate interspecies relationships, contact with potentially dangerous humans is still forbidden. Life is further complicated when a theater troupe of traveling turkeys arrives, taps the residents of Milkweed Meadow to take part in the performance, and deems Butternut unworthy of the stage. Stripped of the spotlight, Butternut must contend with new jealousies while unraveling the mystery behind the turkeys’ intentions and stop their foul plot. It’s a joy to re-enter the rabbit warren and watch the brilliant Butternut manage insecurities and expectations while learning to listen to her intuition. New compelling characters are seamlessly integrated, and though there are dark implications of terrible danger, the dear friendships, familial bonds, and humorous asides lighten the proceedings. A stellar sequel that expertly expands the wonderful world of Milkweed Meadow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScurry into Milkweed Meadow with the rabbits, squirrels, and birds in this quaint, fiction novel and sequel. Young Butternut rabbit and her best friend Piper the robin are back for an adventure surrounding the mystery of the forest fire. Butternut explains the story in the first person point of view recounting the events of the previous three weeks. The meadow animals enjoy their usual routine of community and fellowship. The animals rejoice when the blue jays announce their happy nest of eggs. Everyone loves Butternut’s captivating stories. The birds team up to warn the rabbits and squirrels of the dangerous hawk spotted flying circles around the meadow. The community works together and lives in special harmony. Butternut also enjoys a special friendship with Thalia, the human girl from the house near the meadow. Bold, traveling turkeys bombard the meadow community with a theater performance and an invitation to audition for a summer performance. Butternut perseveres as her confidence is shaken and her story-telling identity is questioned. Piper and Butternut team up to learn more about the turkeys and their purpose. The writing personifies the character of each animal in an enjoyable manner. The dynamics between the animals and the emotions surrounding each animal are well crafted. Detailed illustrations support the big moments of the text and are mixed in throughout the novel. The chapters are divided logically conveying an easy to read flow in the story. Highly recommend for a novel study for elementary students and for individual student reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-427-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 8-11\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 208\u003cbr\u003e5\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e x 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn sale date: May 21, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-11-14T09:27:03-05:00","created_at":"2023-11-13T16:39:55-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Age_Middle Grade","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Novel","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Animals \u0026 Dinosaurs","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Science \u0026 Nature","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44420047798509,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"44270","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39208080867565,"product_id":8284244738285,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-11-14T09:23:04-05:00","updated_at":"2023-11-14T09:23:05-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":869,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785","variant_ids":[44420047798509]},"available":true,"name":"The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":9,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623544270","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31821001588973,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.69,"height":869,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785"],"featured_image":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31821001588973,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.69,"height":869,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785"},"aspect_ratio":0.69,"height":869,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover_806f9339-ec35-488f-9e50-354b96120e21.jpg?v=1699971785","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/elaine-dimopoulos\"\u003eElaine Dimopoulos\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doug-salati\"\u003eDoug Salati\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHow could a single storyteller ever compete with the magic of a performance?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" color=\"#000000\" face=\"Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif\" style=\"color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003eAfter their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back—now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling. But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew. When it turns out the turkeys—and the grand show—are not what they seem, Butternut's family and friends are suddenly in imminent danger. Butternut must figure out how to trust herself and find help. In the end, the hope is that friendship will win once more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeautiful and arresting black-and-white illustrations bring the animals to life in this heartwarming story about trust: trusting our instincts, trusting our creative talents, and trusting those who know and love us, even when it’s hard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" height=\"352\" width=\"100%\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/3CSLagwAqAtCR3Ug8x33tI?utm_source=generator\" style=\"border-radius: 12px;\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HDe2zOdHj48?si=5fJpyZcKL_pJ-2tt\" target=\"new\"\u003eEnjoy this message from author Elaine Dimopoulos\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow\"\u003eThe Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/d-39\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eD-39\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-spread.jpg?v=1699971760\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover.jpg?v=1699971760\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/perilous-performance-milkweed-meadow-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1699971760\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1675084156\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remarkable-rescue-at-milkweed-meadow-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1675084156\"\u003eListen to Elaine on the \u003cem\u003eBetween the Pages\u003c\/em\u003e podcast\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElaine Dimopoulos, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElaine Dimopoulos holds an MFA in Writing from the Simmons University Center for the Study of Children’s Literature where she is now faculty. Elaine has received the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence Award and was named a St. Botolph Club Emerging Artist. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eMaterial Girls \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Turn the Tide.\u003c\/em\u003e Elaine lives in Belmont, MA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/elaine-dimopoulos\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Elaine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoug Salati, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoug Salati is the illustrator of several books for children, including \u003cem\u003ePip and Zip \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Lawrence in the Fall.\u003c\/em\u003e He is also the Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator of the picture book \u003cem\u003eHot Dog.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doug-salati\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Doug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovable lagomorph and remarkable raconteur Butternut details how the denizens of Milkweed Meadow narrowly missed a night of terror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I know you’re here for the story of the fearsome fire in the oak forest.” As in \u003ci\u003eThe Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow\u003c\/i\u003e (2023), Butternut immediately hooks readers. She then weaves a spellbinding tale that includes animal characters as well as Thalia, the “little female human” who’s secretly friends with Butternut. An acting troupe of wild turkeys—led by the eloquent Monty, who speaks in a Shakespearean cadence—have come to invite the meadow animals to take part in their summer show. Unfortunately, Butternut’s the only auditioning rabbit from her colony not to be cast. While she deals with disappointment, other developments arise. Will the blue jays let the turkeys use their eggs as props in the show? Why is that young gobbler Franklin so bad-tempered? Should the local rabbits, birds, and frogs be concerned about a circling hawk and a hovering raccoon? Are humans trustworthy? Suspense builds to a narrowly averted crisis that’s much darker than in the previous tale, but all’s well that ends well. Dimopoulos is as gifted a storyteller as her endearing hero, and she deftly folds in alliteration, theater terms, nature facts, and sparkling humor. Butternut’s musings and observations are thought provoking and perceptive. Thalia appears light-skinned in Salati’s delightful spot art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhimsical, witty, wise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the harrowing events of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (2023), young bunny Butternut is a renowned storyteller and respected resident of the expanded natural community, but she’s also harboring a secret: a burgeoning friendship with the human girl from the nearby house. Though many rules have changed to accommodate interspecies relationships, contact with potentially dangerous humans is still forbidden. Life is further complicated when a theater troupe of traveling turkeys arrives, taps the residents of Milkweed Meadow to take part in the performance, and deems Butternut unworthy of the stage. Stripped of the spotlight, Butternut must contend with new jealousies while unraveling the mystery behind the turkeys’ intentions and stop their foul plot. It’s a joy to re-enter the rabbit warren and watch the brilliant Butternut manage insecurities and expectations while learning to listen to her intuition. New compelling characters are seamlessly integrated, and though there are dark implications of terrible danger, the dear friendships, familial bonds, and humorous asides lighten the proceedings. A stellar sequel that expertly expands the wonderful world of Milkweed Meadow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScurry into Milkweed Meadow with the rabbits, squirrels, and birds in this quaint, fiction novel and sequel. Young Butternut rabbit and her best friend Piper the robin are back for an adventure surrounding the mystery of the forest fire. Butternut explains the story in the first person point of view recounting the events of the previous three weeks. The meadow animals enjoy their usual routine of community and fellowship. The animals rejoice when the blue jays announce their happy nest of eggs. Everyone loves Butternut’s captivating stories. The birds team up to warn the rabbits and squirrels of the dangerous hawk spotted flying circles around the meadow. The community works together and lives in special harmony. Butternut also enjoys a special friendship with Thalia, the human girl from the house near the meadow. Bold, traveling turkeys bombard the meadow community with a theater performance and an invitation to audition for a summer performance. Butternut perseveres as her confidence is shaken and her story-telling identity is questioned. Piper and Butternut team up to learn more about the turkeys and their purpose. The writing personifies the character of each animal in an enjoyable manner. The dynamics between the animals and the emotions surrounding each animal are well crafted. Detailed illustrations support the big moments of the text and are mixed in throughout the novel. The chapters are divided logically conveying an easy to read flow in the story. Highly recommend for a novel study for elementary students and for individual student reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-427-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 8-11\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 208\u003cbr\u003e5\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e x 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn sale date: May 21, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}

The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow


By: Elaine Dimopoulos / Illustrated by: Doug Salati

How could a single storyteller ever compete with the magic of a performance?

After their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back—now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling. But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew. When it turns out the turkeys—and the grand show—are not what they seem, Butternut's family and friends are suddenly in imminent danger. Butternut must figure out how to trust herself and find help. In the end, the hope is that friendship will win once more.

Beautiful and arresting black-and-white illustrations bring the animals to life in this heartwarming story about trust: trusting our instincts, trusting our creative talents, and trusting those who know and love us, even when it’s hard.

Enjoy this message from author Elaine Dimopoulos

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Elaine Dimopoulos, author

Elaine Dimopoulos holds an MFA in Writing from the Simmons University Center for the Study of Children’s Literature where she is now faculty. Elaine has received the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence Award and was named a St. Botolph Club Emerging Artist. She is the author of Material Girls and Turn the Tide. Elaine lives in Belmont, MA.

Read more about Elaine.


Doug Salati, illustrator

Doug Salati is the illustrator of several books for children, including Pip and Zip and Lawrence in the Fall. He is also the Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator of the picture book Hot Dog. 

Read more about Doug.

  • Coming soon!

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Lovable lagomorph and remarkable raconteur Butternut details how the denizens of Milkweed Meadow narrowly missed a night of terror.

“I know you’re here for the story of the fearsome fire in the oak forest.” As in The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (2023), Butternut immediately hooks readers. She then weaves a spellbinding tale that includes animal characters as well as Thalia, the “little female human” who’s secretly friends with Butternut. An acting troupe of wild turkeys—led by the eloquent Monty, who speaks in a Shakespearean cadence—have come to invite the meadow animals to take part in their summer show. Unfortunately, Butternut’s the only auditioning rabbit from her colony not to be cast. While she deals with disappointment, other developments arise. Will the blue jays let the turkeys use their eggs as props in the show? Why is that young gobbler Franklin so bad-tempered? Should the local rabbits, birds, and frogs be concerned about a circling hawk and a hovering raccoon? Are humans trustworthy? Suspense builds to a narrowly averted crisis that’s much darker than in the previous tale, but all’s well that ends well. Dimopoulos is as gifted a storyteller as her endearing hero, and she deftly folds in alliteration, theater terms, nature facts, and sparkling humor. Butternut’s musings and observations are thought provoking and perceptive. Thalia appears light-skinned in Salati’s delightful spot art.

Whimsical, witty, wise.

Booklist

Following the harrowing events of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (2023), young bunny Butternut is a renowned storyteller and respected resident of the expanded natural community, but she’s also harboring a secret: a burgeoning friendship with the human girl from the nearby house. Though many rules have changed to accommodate interspecies relationships, contact with potentially dangerous humans is still forbidden. Life is further complicated when a theater troupe of traveling turkeys arrives, taps the residents of Milkweed Meadow to take part in the performance, and deems Butternut unworthy of the stage. Stripped of the spotlight, Butternut must contend with new jealousies while unraveling the mystery behind the turkeys’ intentions and stop their foul plot. It’s a joy to re-enter the rabbit warren and watch the brilliant Butternut manage insecurities and expectations while learning to listen to her intuition. New compelling characters are seamlessly integrated, and though there are dark implications of terrible danger, the dear friendships, familial bonds, and humorous asides lighten the proceedings. A stellar sequel that expertly expands the wonderful world of Milkweed Meadow.

Children's Literature

Scurry into Milkweed Meadow with the rabbits, squirrels, and birds in this quaint, fiction novel and sequel. Young Butternut rabbit and her best friend Piper the robin are back for an adventure surrounding the mystery of the forest fire. Butternut explains the story in the first person point of view recounting the events of the previous three weeks. The meadow animals enjoy their usual routine of community and fellowship. The animals rejoice when the blue jays announce their happy nest of eggs. Everyone loves Butternut’s captivating stories. The birds team up to warn the rabbits and squirrels of the dangerous hawk spotted flying circles around the meadow. The community works together and lives in special harmony. Butternut also enjoys a special friendship with Thalia, the human girl from the house near the meadow. Bold, traveling turkeys bombard the meadow community with a theater performance and an invitation to audition for a summer performance. Butternut perseveres as her confidence is shaken and her story-telling identity is questioned. Piper and Butternut team up to learn more about the turkeys and their purpose. The writing personifies the character of each animal in an enjoyable manner. The dynamics between the animals and the emotions surrounding each animal are well crafted. Detailed illustrations support the big moments of the text and are mixed in throughout the novel. The chapters are divided logically conveying an easy to read flow in the story. Highly recommend for a novel study for elementary students and for individual student reading.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-427-0

Ages: 8-11
Page count: 208
51/2 x 81/4

On sale date: May 21, 2024