The Book Frog

As Gregor & the Prophecy of Bane opens our hero, Gregor, has returned to life as usual. That life should be better than it was before his last adventure began--his dad is, after all, back with the family, and both Gregor and baby Boots are safe and sound after their journey through the Underland. However, Gregor's dad is still ill and terribly weak from his imprisonment, and Gregor's mom is still working multiple jobs to keep the family fed and clothed and housed. But Gregor is a trouper, and he's doing his best to help keep his family together. He maintains an upbeat demeanor in front of his little sisters and quietly sacrifices his share at meals when there's not enough for everybody. He's even found a part time job helping out a neighbor lady (who, each time Gregor comes over to help her out, has always conveniently made far too much lasagna or spaghetti, which she then sends home for Gregor's family). On the day the story begins Gregor, in an attempt to maintain a facade of cheerful normality for his sisters, has taken Boots sledding in Central Park. He loses sight of her for just a second and she goes missing. It's not long before Gregor discovers a passage to the Underland and finds himself once again on a quest based on his appearance in an ancient prophecy. The "Bane" of the prophecy is a rare, pure white rat, whose very existence is a threat to the continued well-being of the Underland (not to mention Gregor and Boots). Suzanne Collins has once again crafted a winner. Gregor's quest is satisfyingly scary, and the obstacles he must overcome to reach its end daunting. But Gregor is blessed with a sticktoitiveness and dogged devotion to doing the right thing whatever the cost that help him bring the quest to a conclusion which is both right and just. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane will please both kids and moms.