Worm on the Job

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Paul G. Hammond

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-1316-5

36 pp.

Ages 3–7

May 2026

 

If there's one lesson to learn from Worm, it's that anything is possible if you can see your strengths for what they are and apply them to each situation. Not surprising that Worm is the guy for every job because he believes in himself. 

From Worm on the Job, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Paul G. Hammond

After being the head librarian for many years, Worm decides it's time for a new job. And he's willing to try anything. Even when the job may be hazardous to Worm, like life-guarding in the hot sun or deep-sea fishing among sharks, Worm gives it a try. But when he sees a sign advertising for a "courageous night security guard to keep dastardly thief from stealing nifty inventions," (pg. 8) Worm thinks he's found just the job for him. And though the manager is reluctant to hire him, Worm easily proves his value with his unique strengths.  

From Worm on the Job, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Paul G. Hammond

When that dastardly thief shows up just as Worm is checking out all the cool inventions, Worm puts his many strengths of flexibility and sliminess to work to catch the bad guy.

 "And when I believe I can do something . . ."

 "I usually can." (pg. 33-34)

From Worm on the Job, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Paul G. Hammond

It's not often that a worm can inspire risk-taking and self-confidence, but Maureen Fergus's Worm does just that. He believes he can, so he does. He may have to adjust his choices, but they are still his to make. And because he believes in himself, every choice is a step closer to finding another job that he will challenge himself to take on. He is tenacious, courageous, and positive, and he could be a role-model for any non-worm who may be anxious about trying something new. 

 

Because Maureen Fergus's story of Worm is couched in much humour which illustrator Paul G. Hammond strengthens with his whimsical digital art—do check out the clever details like Worm sorting library books on soil, composting, or crawling, or the striking inventions in the convention center—Worm on the Job is not a preachy tale. It's fun and inspiring and entertaining. And perhaps it will give all readers an opportunity to see their own attributes with fresh eyes.  

Zander Stays

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Scot Ritchie

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-296-7

36 pp.

Ages 4-7

October 2023

 

Zander is a goose, a lovely white goose with bright orange legs and an orange bill. He's like the other geese except for this autumn when Zander decides to stay. While the other geese pack up to fly south for the winter, Zander decides he's going to try something different this year.

From Zander Stays, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

After his compadres have left, Zander enjoys new endeavours like jumping in leaf piles, and racing the wind. He may be alone, but he never feels lonely. But then winter arrives. He's advised by a squirrel that he should prepare for winter by collecting and storing nuts. Too bad he doesn't eat nuts. The other animals have their own advice for surviving the winter, but none seem to quite work for Zander. And though he enjoys his first encounter with snow, he soon realizes that he is at a disadvantage, and there is no one to help him.

From Zander Stays, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

Miraculously, when Zander is about to give up, a little girl named Grace finds him and shows him what she does to survive the winter. Finally, Zander finds some adaptive techniques that work for him. And won't he have some wonderful stories to tell his friends when they return!

From Zander Stays, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

While it might not be recommended that wild geese like the snow goose not migrate as they normally would, Maureen Fergus has actually created a STEM story about migration and adaptation by having Zander stay. (Her "Author's Note" provides worthwhile information for young readers about how different animals adapt and what hibernation and migration mean.) It might be exciting to try something new but not migrating became a dangerous undertaking for Zander and one that he only survived with human help. With warm shelter and food, Zander learned from Grace that winter could be enjoyed but only with respite from the challenging conditions. Moreover, her compassion for Zander saves him, reminding children to be mindful of the needs of animals and their welfare.

From Zander Stays, written by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

Scot Ritchie has illustrated both picture books and non-fiction texts (e.g., Federica; Dinos Driving; Follow That Map!; If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It; On the Line) and as such has demonstrated a deftness of touch for creating sweet and yet realistic artwork. In Zander Stays, Scot Ritchie gives us identifiable red squirrels, bats, a bear, a rabbit, and geese, but placed them in landscapes of lake shores, sunsets, and even a cozy home garnished with a fireplace, scattered winter clothing, artwork, and food. Any child reading this book will know the cool autumns of fallen leaves, the snowy cold winter days, and the warmth of being inside from Scot Ritchie's artwork. By using ink and digital watercolour art to give substance to Maureen Fergus's story, Scot Ritchie keeps it gentle–a story of a goose that might not survive the cold of winter definitely needs a light touch–and engaging, while still reminding us that survival is still an issue for animals in winter.

 

As different parts of Canada experience their own cold spells this winter,  help young children understand the basics of adaptation, about migration, and about animal welfare, while cheering for a silly goose who was fortunate to survive the winter with a little help from a friend.

The Pancake Problem: Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans #2

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Alexandra Bye

Tundra Books

978-0-7352-6794-7

48 pp.

Ages 6-9

January 2023

 

In this second Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans story from Maureen Fergus, a dachshund named Weenie, a cat named Frank and a guinea pig named Beans navigate a typical day but one in which their person, Bob, is more interested in sleeping than feeding the ever-hungry Weenie. But what will they do when Bob's #1 Rule is to "Never, ever, ever wake Bob up early on the weekend" and #2 is "Always follow Bob's number one rule." Certainly, it's certainly a dilemma for the trio.

From The Pancake Problem by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Alexandra Bye

Though Frank and Beans offer Weenie sage advice when Weenie contemplates breaking the rules, Weenie's enthusiasm for his breakfast supplants all wisdom. Eventually, Weenie realizing that Bob will not get up–and yes, he tries to encourage him to do so–Weenie brings out his Supersonic Pancake Maker, intent on making his own breakfast.

From The Pancake Problem by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Alexandra Bye

But, Weenie's very slick invention, using a multitude of Bob's things from his underwear and lightbulb to his car's steering wheel, doesn't exactly work as it might. Instead of pancakes, the invention pops out Brussels sprouts and a wagonload of them. Now, the ever-resourceful Weenie must come up with a plan to get rid of the Brussels sprouts. But one bad idea leads to another and another, though the Brussel sprouts eventually find a grateful recipient and Weenie and friends get their pancakes.

From The Pancake Problem by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Alexandra Bye

For a little dog, Weenie has big ideas, and he has no problem implementing them, whether it's inventing a machine to make pancakes, holding a yard sale, or passing off Brussels sprouts as art. He's a little over the top but Maureen Fergus makes him so lovable in his logic and attitude that readers will smile at his antics and wonder what he'll try next. Thankfully Maureen Fergus gives him the wisdom of his friends as Frank and Beans can see through much of his naivete though they never stop him from implementing his wacky plans. They do, however, question him and make pointed comments that suggest they always know better.

New Hampshire's Alexandra Bye brings the lightness and fun of an early reader graphic novel. Her animals are simple but quirky, and she keeps the backgrounds uncluttered, only including what is necessary to carry the story. That doesn't mean her illustrations are austere. No, she includes little details like a calendar which includes a haircut for the almost bald Bob, a mug for Frank that reads "Coffee Right Meow" and a pink and purple monster apparently hiding beneath Bob's bed covers.

The Pancake Problem is not meant to teach any lesson or send a message about following rules or eating in excess. It's just a fun read about a wiener dog who must deal with a typical problem–waiting to get fed–but who finds an atypical solution that causes more problems. Even with his sidekicks offering an opportunity for banter and insight, Weenie's problem is solved by a fluke, and he happily gets his pancakes in the end. Hopefully his machine will be fixed or redesigned as I suspect that, since The Pancake Problem is a sequel to Mad about Meatloaf, there will be more food calamities in Weenie's future, with Frank and Beans always there to offer their loyalty.

Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans series

#1 Mad about Meatloaf (2021)

#2 The Pancake Problem (2023)

Dual Book Launch: Teaching Mrs. Muddle & Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story (Online)

If you didn't live in Winnipeg, 

it would be a shame to miss this book launch.

 

But with the need for physical distancing,

everyone can make it to Manitoba virtually to check out

a couple of funny children's picture books by Canadian authors

 

with this free online book launch.

 

 

Join authors Colleen Nelson and Maureen Fergus 

 

for the launch of their new picture books

Teaching Mrs. Muddle

Written by Colleen Nelson
Illustrated by Alice Carter
Pajama Press
978-1-77278-131-1
32 pp.
Ages 3-6
October 2020

Reviewed here

and

Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Mark Fearing

Knopf Books for Young Readers

978-1-524714512 

40 pp.

Ages 3-7

October 2020

on

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

at

7:00 pm CDT (note the time zone)

The link for registration, 

which is required to directly participate in the Zoom webinar, 

can be found at McNally Robinson Booksellers website here.

The event will also be lived streamed 

(and then available for viewing afterwards) 

by McNally Robinson Online Events 

at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DevF-aKwP-w

 

 

 

The Reptile Club: Book launch (Winnipeg, MB)

Join 

author

 Maureen Fergus

for the launch of her newest picture book

The Reptile Club

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Elina Ellis

Kids Can Press

978-1-77138-655-5

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

September 2018 

Reviewed here

on

Saturday, September 29, 2018

at

1 p.m.

at

McNally Robinson Booksellers

Grant Park Shopping Centre

Winnipeg, MB

🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊

 

See my review today about this clever picture book about reptiles, passions, friends, and acceptance and then take in the book launch next week for The Reptile Club.

The Reptile Club

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Elina Ellis

Kids Can Press

978-1-77138-655-5

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

September 2018 

There are a lot of clubs at Rory's school including glee, ballet, knitting, karate, theater, astronauts, prancing unicorn (!), extra math homework and cooking, but none speak to his passion so he starts his own reptile club. But who shows up to see his plastic reptile collection and eat his lizard-shaped cookies? Reptiles! After all, it is the Reptile Club.

From The Reptile Club by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Elina Ellis

There's Raoul the massive crocodile, Miriam the anaconda and Pierre the gecko, and they all introduce themselves as does Rory with interesting tidbits about themselves before the meeting transitions into discussion, play and food.

Once the other kids see what the Reptile Club is all about, they want to join too, and Rory has to convince the reptiles that "it wasn't nice to be prejudiced against others just because they had hair and could regulate their body temperature." (pg. 21) The Reptile Club flourishes with new members and activities like the game "Guess What I Just Ate?" until weeks later when the reptile members announce that they must say goodbye as winter is coming. But what of the Reptile Club?

From The Reptile Club by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Elina Ellis

Time and time again, author Maureen Fergus has shown her prowess at word play and seeing stories from unusual perspectives. Her picture book The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten (Kids Can Press, 2013) has a kindergartner affectionately chastizing her mother for her inappropriate behaviour at school. The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold (Tundra, 2016) twists the idea of children questioning the existence of the jolly old man to Santa wondering whether a particular child is real. In The Reptile Club, Maureen Fergus does the same, presenting a club that draws its members from the Class Reptilia not just those who are passionate about them. It makes for a funny story. But the story isn't just a clever take on school clubs. It's about honouring your passions, making friends and accepting others, regardless of their differences. When the reptiles are reluctant to let the other human kids into the club, Rory has to help them see that the differences aren't that big a deal since they already accept him, a lowly mammal. And if the humour throughout the book doesn't tickle a child's funny bone–I wonder if reptiles have funny bones?–then the illustrations of the UK's Elina Ellis with their youthful lightness in colours and shape, perfect for a school setting filled with children and animals, definitely will.

From The Reptile Club by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Elina Ellis

While I won't give away Maureen Fergus's surprise ending that will definitely get readers smiling, I can say that school clubs have never been so much fun and engaging and The Reptile Club is one to join for a chance at learning, laughing and literacy. 

🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊

Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

Groundwood Books

978-1-55498-716-0

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

August 2016

Our dynamic duo of Buddy, the dog, and Earl, the hedgehog, introduced in Buddy and Earl (Groundwood, 2015) and revisited in Buddy and Earl Go Exploring (Groundwood, 2016) have a new adventure afoot when it is announced that Mrs. Cunningham and her baby are coming for a visit. Meredith, the young girl in the family, seems excited, and the two pets follow suit. But what’s a baby? Earl questions, and makes all manner of speculation from a mode of transportation to an electrical appliance or something to eat, while Buddy adds his modest knowledge to the discussion.

The arrival of the child leaves them both chagrined as the baby pays no attention to anyone and leaves of swath of destruction as it ambles through the house, tasting, eating, breaking. A consequent delivery to its cage i.e., playpen has the baby making friends with Earl who then appoints himself guardian when the great big baby escapes to new and wild adventures in bedrooms of snakes and lava and dinosaurs and, the deadliest of all, water.

From Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby 

by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Carey Sookocheff

Buddy’s faithfulness is only surpassed by Earl’s joie de vivre making the two a duo of contrasts and congeniality. In facing a new encounter, Buddy and Earl work together to understand, mitigate and even appreciate the complication that is the great big baby. By giving voice to Buddy and Earl and even Meredith as they handle the baby, Maureen Fergus covers a variety of sentiments, recognizing that babies, like pets, aren’t always small and adorable but still “make the world a happier place” (pg. 31).

Again Carey Sookocheff illustrates Buddy and Earl’s adventure with the right feel of simplicity and wonder. There is sparseness to the artwork that is brilliantly appropriate for a story told from the perspective of a dog and a hedgehog, undoubtedly less concerned with the material excessiveness of our world. Imaginative play and exploration are emphasized, not things, and Carey Sookocheff makes sure that, with her minimal colour palette and attention to shape and line, Buddy and Earl remain the stars of this story, nothwithstanding a great big baby, that is.

Buddy and Earl 

From Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby 

by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Carey Sookocheff

Buddy and Earl Go Exploring

by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

Groundwood Books

978-1-55498-714-6

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

March, 2016

Buddy the dog and Earl the hedgehog from Buddy and Earl (Groundwood Books, 2015) are back and this time the fast friends are on the move.  Okay, they stay in the house but there’s so much to explore in their home, especially when everyone is asleep. And it all starts with Earl declaring a simple “Bon voyage” when they should be settling down to sleep.

Earl is essentially a Zen-kind of traveller, going “Wherever the road leads me” and “However long it takes” (pg. 8), but he’s surprised when his fast and furious running leads him nowhere, having never left the wheel in his cage.  Everything changes when somehow Earl gets Buddy to go exploring with him.

Everything is new and, in the imaginative mind of the little hedgehog, something to be investigated.  Their first stop is “a silvery lake in the shadow of a great mountain” (pg. 15) a.k.a. Buddy’s water bowl and the garbage pail, where Earl enjoys a lazy soak while Buddy discovers some tasty leftovers in the can he upturned.  But spotting a hairbrush in Mom’s purse, Earl sees a lady hedgehog in the jaws of a monster and enlists Buddy’s largesse to save his sweetie from being devoured. Reciprocating, because that’s what friends do, Earl stands up to a monster of Buddy’s world, the vacuum cleaner.

With declarations of friendship and heroism, the two finally settle down amidst the mayhem of their night’s exploration with a resounding “Bon soir.”

Maureen Fergus again offers up the unlikely friends as a story of contrasts: the little hedgehog with the massive imagination and courage to see outside his box, and the tall dog with the staid attitude of familiarity who understands more about the real world and still goes along with his prickly friend.  Buddy and Earl Go Exploring is  a sweet tale of travels to new worlds without ever leaving home.  The simplicity of their friendship and endeavours are balanced with the unfussy illustrations of Carey Sookocheff who also provided the artwork for Buddy and Earl.  Carey Sookocheff has created the ideal representations of the two animals in their physical appearances and their manners–petite and large, bold and cautious–and completed Maureen Fergus’ textual characters in such a way that the two will always be recognizable.  There’s Stella and Sam, Max and Ruby, and Frog and Toad, and now there’s Buddy and Earl.

From Buddy and Earl Go Exploring

by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Carey Sookocheff (pg. 30)

Nota Bene: More adventures to come, starting with Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby in August, 2016.

Groundwood Books' Book Party: November 21, 2015 (Toronto)

Groundwood Books 

is having a party!

Join authors and illustrators

Maureen Fergus and Carey Sookocheff

Reviewed here

Monica Kulling and Sydney Smith

Reviewed here

Deborah Hodge

and

Danielle Daniel

Reviewed here

for an afternoon of activities and presentations for children ages 4-9

on Saturday, November 21, 2015

from 1 to 4 p.m.

at

the Koffler Center of the Arts

180 Shaw Street

Toronto, ON

In addition to the fun activities, 

Another Story Bookshop will have the books available for purchase.

Buddy and Earl

by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

Groundwood Books

978-1-55498-712-2

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

August 2015

I’m sure that most friendships don’t start out that way.  There may be those encounters by which individuals become “fast friends” but I suspect many friendships  begin slowly as each tries to figure the other out. Friend? Foe? Agenda? Danger?  In fact, in Maureen Fergus' Buddy and Earl, when Meredith brings a mysterious open box in, Buddy the dog probably wasn't thinking "friend" at all but rather "what?"

A few pokes  and an amiable introduction between Buddy and the rounded creature who identifies himself as Earl has the two chatting away.  But still Buddy doesn't know the "what" that is Earl.  He asks but Earl has an odd assortment of answers to, "And what are you, Earl?" He could be a race car, or a giraffe, or a sea urchin, a talking hairbrush–definitely plausible–or a skyscraper, rhino or mouse.  Nothing seems to work for Buddy who is clever enough to know what Earl isn't.  But when Earl suggests that he is a pirate and Buddy his first mate, the two go off on an adventure that has Mom shaking her head and the two bonded with friendship.

I've adored Maureen Fergus' YA books (The Gypsy King, Razorbill, 2012; A Fool's Errand, Razorbill, 2013; Tomorrow's Kingdom, Razorbill, 2014) but she's showing her versatility in writing picture books, recently winning the Ontario Library Association's Blue Spruce readers' choice award for The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten (Kids Can Press, 2013), and Buddy and Earl displays the same wonderful voice of innocence and discovery, with a touch of parental attitude.  Whether Buddy is a real dog and Earl another family member, I have no doubt but it really doesn't matter.  The two dissimilar pets demonstrate the ability to make friends no matter where and no matter with whom just by being themselves.  It doesn't really matter whether Earl is a hedgehog, though I suspect he is, and prone to imaginative bursts of creative play or steadfast and thoughtful like the loyal Buddy. The two come together and make something better and bigger:  a friendship.  And that's all it takes to identify Earl in the end and to add a new moniker to Buddy beyond "dog".

I don't know Carey Sookocheff's work but I think we all will soon.  Buddy and Earl is her first picture book and I believe the simplicity and retro style of her artwork, here in muted creams, khaki, orange and powder blue, will endear her work to many.  It has the effortless ambience of child's play to which young children will be drawn.  I imagine that the young will be as charmed by Carey Sookocheff's illustrations as they are to the guessing game that Buddy and Earl play whilst the two strut into their new friendship.  Even better, we've got more adventures to which we can look forward with the two new friends getting into new situations in Buddy and Earl Go Exploring (March, 2016) and Buddy and Earl and the Baby, both from Groundwood Books.

Tomorrow's Kingdom

nota bene: As Tomorrow's Kingdom is the final book 

in The Gypsy King trilogy, 

I adamantly recommend that, 

if you haven't read Books 1 and 2 already, 

please read them first 

to enjoy the full effect of The Gypsy King trilogy.  

It is so worth it!

by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0670067664

448 pp.

Ages 12+

July, 2014

Persephone's trajectory has been an extraordinary one from The Gypsy King (Razorbill, 2012) to A Fool's Errand (Razorbill, 2013) and now Tomorrow's Kingdom.  From slave to long-lost twin of King Finnius, then seeker of the healing Pool of Genesing and initially-reluctant bride of the gypsy Azriel, Persephone launches Tomorrow's Kingdom as the true Queen, and hostage of Regent Mordecai who intends to wed her and rule the kingdom himself.

In addition to Mordecai plotting Persephone's future with him, Lord Bartok is working with the other lords to liberate and return her to the throne, by attacking Mordecai's New Men army.  Of course, Bartok plans to wed Persephone himself, in case his daughter Aurelia, who is pretending to be pregnant with King Finnius' child, doesn't succeed in making it a pseudo-reality with some random man.

If Persephone is anything, she is amazingly strong and determined, first to save herself and then focus on her next steps. 

"All that was left to do was to find Azriel, prevent the slaughter of the tribes, save the Kingdom and take the throne." (pg. 113)

Yeah, that's all. 

But, just as Persephone has been transformed, so too has Azriel, from chicken thief and proud Gypsy and target of Mordecai's New Men army, to Persephone's devoted protector and amorous husband.  And when he learns that she is pregnant with his child, there is nothing he won't do to keep her safe.

It's a fight for tomorrow's kingdom, a kingdom which Persephone has promised will unite the five tribes–Erok, Gypsies, Khan, Marinese and Gorgishmen–of Glyndoria.  But, with so much plotting for the throne, it's not surprising that deception and battle may be deemed necessary.  But who is deceiving whom?  Well, it's not Persephone with Azriel or vice versa, and that is the sweetness in a battle-ridden conclusion to the trilogy.  While Books 1 and 2 have Persephone and Azriel doing some romantic sparring as they sort out their feelings for each other and attempt to interpret the other's actions (often incorrectly), Tomorrow's Kingdom releases the reader from worrying whether the two lovers will find their way to each other.  They have.  Now there's so much more to worry about: an angry Mordecai who is losing his grip on his New Men army; Lord Bartok whose plans for control are being thwarted by his hapless son and daughter; the tribes who all have some reservations about Persephone's prophesized reign; and the healthy birth of a baby that may mean everything to everyone.

Maureen Fergus is so adept at carrying readers away to a different land and time, of cultures and societies so different than our own, where their speech is different, from crass to formal, their lifestyles foreign (in more ways than one), and their spirits undefinable.  From vivid descriptions of scenery,

"...as she beheld the sprawling castle that rose up before her.  Built in the shadow of a barren mountain at the very edge of a high cliff, it was constructed of blackest stone.  Except for along the cliff edge, it was protected by a wall so thick that a brace of oxen could have pulled a wagon along the top if it hadn't been for the iron spikes set every few feet.  Several of these spikes were topped with heads that appeared to have been dipped in tar to slow the process of decay; the rest stood empty and waiting against a backdrop of low clouds scudding across the stormy sky." (pg. 65)

to experiences beyond my imagination,

"After shoving into her mouth a piece of meat so tender, juicy, fragrant and delicious that she almost started to cry, Persephone unenthusiastically handed the rotten-toothed man his share." (pg. 134) 

and the seasoned speech of any character, including the third-person speaking Gorgishman,

     "Miter has not pledged friendship!" reminded the Gorgishman shrilly. "Miter has pledged nothing but his eternal enmity if you take this tiresome war of yours anywhere near his beloved valley!"
     "Oh, stop," said the Gypsy dryly.  "You're making me feel all choked up inside." (pg. 327)

the text becomes a part of the plot, enriching all elements of the story.  Every word spoken or not is fulfilling to the experience that is Tomorrow's Kingdom, as was in The Gypsy King and A Fool's Errand. But here we have the delight of a hard-earned happy finale, with a last-minute surprise or two, before ending with the words, "The Gypsy that would be king." (pg. 456)

Cover Reveal: Tomorrow's Kingdom

Author Maureen Fergus 

first introduced us to

Persephone and Azriel

in

 The Gypsy King 

by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0-14-318315-0

434 pp.

Ages 12-16

2012

Reviewed here 

Their adventures continued and 
became more complicated in

 A Fool's Errand 

by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0-670-06765-7

528 pp.

Ages 12+

October, 2013 

Reviewed here

Now

the cover of the upcoming and 
exciting (I'm sure)

conclusion to the trilogy
has been revealed

 Tomorrow's Kingdom 

 by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0670067664

448 pp.

Ages 12+

For release July, 2014

July seems a long time to wait to learn whether the evil Mordecai will succeed in his nefarious plans, whether Azriel will forgive Persephone once again for her deceit and whether there will be a happy ending.  But, as I'm sure all my questions will be answered by Maureen Fergus in Tomorrow's Kingdom, I will just have to wait a few more tomorrows.

A Fool's Errand

by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0-670-06765-7

528 pp.

Ages 12+

October, 2013 

(If you haven’t read the first book in this series, The Gypsy King, please do so before reading this review which contains a spoiler for the first book. A Fool’s Errand begins with the final revelation from The Gypsy King.)


With the final scene in The Gypsy King, a servant reveals that Persephone is the long-lost and older twin of the Erok king, King Finnius, and the true heir to the Erok throne. Fearful that this will threaten his claim as heir to the throne, the evil Regent Mordecai, who has been manipulating the king and the country to his will, has the servant killed. Likewise, the lives of Persephone and Azriel, as well as a Gypsy boy named Mateo, are at risk until Azriel claims to be the son of the former Gypsy King Balthazar and can locate the secret pool of healing.

Threatened with the death of her brother King Finnius, Persephone promises not to seek the throne, and shares one last wonderful day with her newly-discovered brother before heading off with Azriel on his quest to find the Pool of Genesing for the physically-deformed Regent Mordecai. Unbeknownst to them, Mordecai sends his henchman General Murdock and members of his New Men army to follow them, with strict orders to kill them if they find the Pool or if they are not diligently seeking it. But there is also a cloaked man with an unclear mission who follows all of them.

After a stop at the Gypsy camp where a momentous event passes, Azriel, Persephone, Rachel who is an Erok girl who looks like Persephone, and two Gypsies, Tiny and Fayla, head out on their quest, seeking the Khan Warriors first, then the Marinese and finally the Gorgishmen for any clues they may be able to provide about the Pool's location.

Though similar to the action-filled plot of The Gypsy King, A Fool’s Errand is based on a series of adventures that Persephone and Azriel undertake, hopeful that they are always one clue closer to finding the Pool. Pervasive in their quest is their romance which, while initially shaky due to Persephone’s lies, is catapulted to before the two can both acknowledge their deep caring for each other. Azriel’s honour and chivalry demonstrates his love for her far before Persephone even recognizes her’s for him. But readers can be reassured that, though their squabbling is endearing, Persephone and Azriel find their way to each other, eventually, and it is very sweet.

Perhaps some believe that the foolishness indicated in the title deals with Persephone and Azriel falling in love but there are many characters who could be seen as fools in A Fool’s Errand. There are those who believe in the Pool, those who believe they will find it, King Finnius who trusted Mordecai for years to rule the kingdom for him, Mordecai who continues to lust for Persephone and sees her actions as evidence that she cares for him, Mordecai who trusts the treacherous agreement he makes with Lord Bartok, General Murdock who is convinced he is always in charge of circumstances, and even those who believe the lies Mordecai speaks each time he opens his mouth. You'll need to judge for yourselves who are the fools but I'll follow Shakespeare's suggestions that, "A fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool." (As You Like It, Act 5, Scene 1)

Sadly I may have to count myself as the fool, never expecting Maureen Fergus to end A Fool’s Errand on a cliffhanger, as she did with The Gypsy King. Of course, I was fortunate to have A Fool’s Errand at the ready to appease that longing for a happy ending. Now, while the reader may guess at Persephone’s "circumstances" at the conclusion of A Fool’s Errand, there is no way to see how Maureen Fergus will resolve the newest twist in her plotting. Waiting without anxiety until the third book is released seems a foolish endeavour right now. But, with an abundance of fools, I will at least be in good company.

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Relief! I've heard from Maureen Fergus who tweeted that Book 3 in the series is called Tomorrow's Kingdom and is scheduled for release in July of 2014.

The Gypsy King

by Maureen Fergus

Razorbill

978-0-14-318315-0

434 pp.

Ages 12-16

2012

A powerful high fantasy based in the land of Glyndoria, in which the five tribes–Khan warriors, Erok, Gypsies, Gorgishmen and Marinese–live in strife, The Gypsy King may look like a historical romance with its medieval setting and a beautiful young woman in a golden gown clutching a dagger, a once commonly-used weapon.  While there is an element of romance to the story, which adds humour and much spark, an adventurous quest for both truth and a pool of healing takes The Gypsy King into a whole new realm.

Persephone is an enslaved young woman who knows nothing of her heritage except being sold, traded or lost in a card game and working in a manor house, a tavern, and even the horrible Mines of Torodania.  When a chicken thief she meets returns masquerading as a lord and buys her freedom, Persephone is both perplexed and trepidatious, though she is reassured by three animals that follow her: her dog Cur, a hawk named Ivan and a broken-down horse named Fleet.  Luckily for Persephone that these animals are there as the chicken thief and false lord is actually a Gypsy, named Azriel, and Gypsies are the target of the New Men army of the Erok Regent Mordecai. 

Seems the former Erok king, King Malthusius had hated the Gypsies since their king Balthazar had never revealed the location of their Pool of Genesing, a pool of healing, to him.  Mordecai, the physically-deformed power behind the king, encouraged the king to persecute the Gypsies, sadly leading to their massacre, in the hopes of learning the location of this fabled pool.  With the current king Finnius still too young to rule, Regent Mordecai continues with this reign of terror, extending it to kidnapping Gypsy children for their blood, rumoured to be rich in health and vitality, to alleviate his physical distress.

When Azriel is seriously injured in the attack by the New Men, he leads her to the Gypsy camp, where he can be treated.  Azriel had been bringing Persephone there as she, and another girl Rachel, are the exact likeness of a girl prophecized to bring a Gypsy King to power.  When another part of the prophecy suggests a link to a Gypsy child hidden in the Erok capital of Parthania, Persephone, Rachel, Azriel and two other Gypsies head there to rescue him. Through a series of circumstances (fortunate or not), Persephone becomes a guest at the castle and the amorous target of both the Regent Mordecai and King Finnius, while Azriel must find the means to fulfill their mission and rescue her.  And, regardless of Persephone's original intent to strike out on her own, Azriel believes and hopes for more.

"A path stretches out before us, Persephone, and we will walk it together, whether you like it or not." (pg. 198)

Their stories are rich with dungeons, executions, opulence, ruthless lords, rumours, evil, charity, sparring of words, yearning and surprising revelations.  But there are no disappointments for the reader.  Maureen Fergus has created a complex (but never confusing) network of storylines that ensures a bounty of characters, both sympathetic and not, and conflict that could lead to love or death.  Her writing style is neither verbose nor vague, and her wit is embedded throughout.

"And the next time you happen upon a person of unknown providence, I encourage you to think before you strike, lest misjudgment on your part see you a head shorter before you're a day older." (pg. 291)

Be assured that, though the book may seem a lofty read at 434 pages, every twist and detail is significant in creating the resplendent read that is The Gypsy King.

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Look for my review of A Fool's Errand, the sequel to The Gypsy King, in my next post.  But, read The Gypsy King first if you haven't already.  You won't be disappointed.

The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten

by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Mike Lowery

Kids Can Press

978-1-55453-698-6

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

March, 2013

With school just around the corner (you have seen the back-to-school sales advertised already, haven't you?), many teachers and parents are starting to think about those first days and how to make them run smoothly and still be fun.  The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus and illustrated by Mike Lowery is a wonderful new youngCanLit to use in the classroom for introducing rules in a humourous context or at home to prepare little ones for their first years in school, without preaching.
 
Kindergarten can be a trying experience for both parent and child but not for the little girl who narrates The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten.  She loves school.  "It was better than a dinosaur museum, a circus, and a super-duper mega-three-scooper ice-cream sundae."  Mom on the other hand seems a little sad to see her little one go off to school.  So, her daughter politely asks if Mom would like to come inside, sensing the need to help Mom through this experience.

But Mom is so excited that she just barrels right in there.  She doesn't know that you don't barge in at the front of the line, that you take off your outdoor shoes and put them away in your cubby, that you raise your hand, wait your turn and don't shout out, that you clean up after yourself, that you use an indoor voice in the library, and that no one speaks during Story Time.  Mom has a lot to learn.  Luckily her daughter is already well versed in kindergarten protocols, and the teacher, Ms Beaudry, is very understanding and accepts that sometimes it takes a while to get comfortable with something new.  But the message is still clear.

"...school is nicer for everybody if you try to be considerate of others."

Robert Fulghum's popular essay, titled All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (Villard Books, 1988), still holds its truth and veracity twenty-five years later.  Maybe it's because those truths are so relevant to all persons, irrespective of age or other distinction, that the similar messages, graphically enhanced in The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten, are so universal and beneficial to harmonious relationships.  Now, if everyone could just remember those messages after they leave kindergarten, our world undoubtedly would be more equitable with less strife.  Mom certainly has all the attributes of a child in a new, inviting situation (check out her earnest expression on the book's cover) and in need of some gentle reminders about the right way to do things at school.  Fortunately, she picks up on the school etiquette, courtesy of her daughter, and realizes that maybe she shouldn't be attending kindergarten after all.  And you can bet she won't bud in line at the grocery store ever again.