The underneath
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An old hound that has been chained up at his hateful owner's run-down shack, and two kittens born underneath the house, endure separation, danger, and many other tribulations before they finally end up reunited and free.
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angelamurat thinks this title is suitable for 10 years and over
sharonally thinks this title is suitable for 9 years and over
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A pregnant calico cat abandoned in the bayou. An old hound dog chained to a slowly decaying house. The Alligator King, grown as big as a monster over the many years, and the terrible, scarred man who chases him - Gar-Face. With lyrical language, Appelt brings these characters together as events are inexorably set in motion by the birth of two kittens – Puck and Sabine. Twined through the story of how a hound dog, a calico cat and her kittens become a family are two other stories: the story of how the evil Gar-Face came to this place in the bayou and an older story yet of an ancient creature - part human, part snake - of how her family betrayed her and of how she waits for revenge. Short chapters make this a quick read, but be prepared – Gar-Face is truly evil. The Underneath is a powerful portrait of how devastating loss can be and how love can redeem and give meaning to a life.
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Add a QuoteA snake who has lived in a jar for a thousand years knows something about hunger. She has been hungry for all that time. And now, just beneath her, on a lower branch, sat a small grey cat...
IN THE UNDERNEATH the calico cat felt a sudden electric charge zip right threw her. She sat up. Wrong was everywhere. She looked around. Found Ranger astir. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Found Sabine, fur electrified. Wrong. Something was wrong. She looked again. Where was Puck? No no no! She heard him cry. No no no! She bounded to the edge of the Underneath just in time to see her baby lifted into the air by Gar Face. No no no! Lifted by the scruff of his neck. She saw his terrified face, saw the bottom of his tiny paws swinging in the air. "No, no, no," she cried.
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Add a CommentThis book is very sad at times, but there are also some happy parts. This may not be the best book if you like animals, but it is worth reading.
The short chapters and lovely phrases make this an ideal read-aloud, but Appelt doesn't pull any punches. This may not be the right book for sensitive animal lovers. David Small's pencil illustrations are placed sporadically but clearly evoke the characters and bayou setting. The intertwining stories and poetic language may be tough for struggling readers to navigate despite the short chapters. Highly recommended but be prepared to cry!
I really loved this book! It is one of my best reads! My favourite book series is Warriors cats. But I REALLY enjoyed this! It was so sad though. Very good plot, and vocabulary. This is #2 on my fav. book list. MUST READ!!! LOVED IT SO MUCH! SO SAD TOO!
a very good read. it was kind of sad but other than tht it is one of those books tht u have to read =)
This is a lovely, lyrical book. Although it is a children's book, it encompasses themes that are ageless. I highly recommend it for parents and children to read together, as well as for all those who love it when language sings.
Truly enjoyable including the sad parts. Don't miss it.
It was in....interesting read. The language was intermidiate and at times confusing especially if you're not a STRONG reader.
It is a great book to read for someone who likes fantasy and animals
It's okay... a little hard to understand at times.
this was a great book i would recommend it because it was a touching story that really grabs you and makes you want to read. Also even though it may get sad in one part it comes back and makes you more happy then ever. The story ends with a bang and couldn't end better. I read this book and now it is my favourite book of all time. Cassie