The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society #1)
by
From Goodreads:
Elliot Eisner isn’t exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he’d much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot’s very first day. Along with a new friend–brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux–Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.
My thoughts on this book:
Elliot is the new kid at school and very nervous about making friends, until he meets Uchenna. They have some things in common and become friends right away. On the bus they meet Professor Fauna, a scary looking man who will be their guide on their field trip to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Professor Fauna warns them of the many dangers at the Pine Barrens.
“The Pine Barrens is not a safe place,” the professor intoned, his voice echoing over the gloomy path. “Many dangers are here. There are bears and coyotes and bobcats.”
On the tour they discover a swamp with carnivorous plants and other forest life. All of a sudden, Elliot and Uchenna hear some strange sounds coming from the woods and Uchenna is too inquisitive to not find the source. Elliot heads in after her and discovers one of the strangest creatures he’s ever seen. Can Elliot and Uchenna help rescue this beastly, magical creature? Soon they discover The Unicorn Rescue Society and learn that Professor Fauna may not be as scary as he looks.
We read A Tale Dark and Grimm a few years ago and when we saw that Adam Gidwitz came out with a new series titled The Unicorn Rescue Society, we were super excited! I ended up reading this with my kids and I think I enjoyed it as much as they did, finding it humorous and educational.
We loved the characters! Elliot loves reading; he’s intelligent and shy, whereas Uchenna loves music and she’s super fun and brave. They form a wonderful friendship and together must find a way to protect the magical creature they’ve discovered. Professor Fauna seems scary to them and has a secret the children must discover.
The plot is interesting and keeps you engaged. It’s a good book for reluctant readers or those just starting chapter books because the chapters are fairly short with illustrations to break up the story. We loved the illustrations as well.
Overall, this was a fun read. We already ordered The Basque Dragon–the second in the series–and can’t wait to start it.
5***** to The Creature of the Pines!
- Age Range: 8 – 12 years
- Grade Level: 3 – 7
- Series: The Unicorn Rescue Society (Book 1)
- Hardcover: 192 pages
- Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0735231702
- ISBN-13: 978-0735231702
More about The Unicorn Rescue Society:
Adam Gidwitz grew up in Baltimore. Now he lives in Brooklyn and teaches kids large and slightly less large at Saint Ann’s School. Adam only writes about what he’s experienced personally. So, while all of the strange, hilarious, and frightening things in A TALE DARK AND GRIMM really did happen to Hansel and Gretel, they also happened to Adam. Of course, if you’ve ever had a childhood, they’ve probably happened to you, too. – Amazon.
ReadRantRock&Roll 
Love it! A society to protect mythical creatures led by children… very cute! The illustrations are lovely as well. And I see you’re rocking some stylish nail polish again! Lol
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Yes! Hopeful there will be a unicorn soon LOL. ❤ Thanks, Nina. 😀
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This sounds wonderful for children and adults too. Great review! I like that the author has brought the ‘Unicorn Rescue Society’ to reality with the video trailer and the website as well. Awesome review!
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Thanks so much! I absolutely loved that trailer when I found it. It’s nice to see them animated and hear their voices too. 😀 ❤
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Super review and this indeeds looks to be a book for all ages. Very cute and unique as well.
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Thank you so much! It is unique and we are enjoying the second book so far. ❤
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This looks like the start to a great series. Kids love unicorns and other mythical beasts, so having them as the rescuers is awesome. Great review Jenn.
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It really is, Carla. We are really happy with it so far. Thanks so much! ❤
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This sounds wonderful… Maybe when my niece is older, I will buy it
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It’s really good, Shalini. Perfect for kids! ❤
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Oh, I love anything unicorn! How fun does this sound? Wonderful review, favorite M, and so happy you enjoyed this one as much as your kiddos! ♥️
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It’s great, Jennifer! No unicorn yet, but we’re hopeful LOL. ❤ Thank you so much! 🙂
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Beautiful book❤
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It’s wonderful, Priyasha. Thank you. ❤
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I am three quarters of the way through Adam’s book, The Inquisitor’s Tale. It is fantastic. I don’t write many book reviews because I’m picky on what is really good. Let me tell you, I’ll be writing a review when I finish the book! This new one sounds good.
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We can’t wait for that one! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. I’ll watch for your review! ❤😘
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🙂
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Sounds like a sweet book!! The characters sound like those I would love my children to get to know as well! I may get this for my nephew as he is a bit of a reluctant reader, but I feel like he would love this!! (also, aunty Nicole would love to read it with him!! Ha ha!) great review!! 💖💖
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Thanks, Nicole! It really is! Perfect for reluctant readers too. We’re about half way through the second book and It’s pretty good. Hope you guys love it if you read it! 😉💕😘
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