The Perilous Journey of Gavin the Great by Don Gutteridge

Disaster has struck the frightened animals of Earthwood, thus beginning The Perilous Journey of Gavin the Great by Don Gutteridge, a clever and tender fable that also acts as a dire warning.

Under the guidance of Gollah and bound by faith in one another, Gavin, his brothers, and a gathering band of survivors must brave Everdark and re-cross the Serpentine Ridge, while avoiding pterodactyls, wolves, and a nightmare’s worth of other beasts. A children’s book at first glance, this well-penned read has the maturity and intention of Watership Down, without losing its innocent soul. As Gavin the raccoon struggles against the growing burden of leadership and destiny, readers will accompany him eagerly on the epic quest, and perhaps see our world of doomsmobiles and Tallwalkers through new eyes.

Gutteridge is an undeniably skilled poet, and that ability is not lost when he shifts to prose; the language is rich with description and playfulness, despite the ominous undertones that lurk beneath the plot. It doesn’t take long for a discerning reader to recognize the allegorical premise – the natural world is being ravaged by disaster, with disagreement among the animals over who caused it and what ideas should lead the way to safety. The clear foreshadowing of the imminent danger coming to humanity, and the need to act before it’s too late, is prescient and affecting.

Throughout, Gutteridge delivers his message with faultless writing, and wise readers will be moved by the impossible peril of Gavin and his companions, for a book that is at once incisive and inspiring.