Fast Eddie - Hardcover

Coleman, Janet Wyman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0027228150 ISBN 13: 9780027228151

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1993

Synopsis

Puff, the Plotkins' cat, Jones, the red squirrel, and Kitty, the Plotkins' sleepy dog, and two black crows all describe the raccoon Fast Eddie's dramatic confrontation with the human race.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

The author describes this fantasy about an escalating battle between the suburban Plotkin family and its strong-willed neighbor as ``nonfiction''; indeed, though Eddie (a feisty, amoral raccoon), his friend Puff (a cat who's adept--but not always successful--in manipulating her family), and hilariously bumbling Kitty (a golden retriever) express themselves in words, they are portrayed from the ironical perspective of a human who has endured, and been much amused by, their interactions. Eddie is on a collision course with the nice Plotkins; he not only Houdinis his way into their garbage but engages in gratuitous mischief--like tracking mud onto their white porch furniture- -despite his friends' warnings about the gun Mr. Plotkin plans to use if his trap fails--as it must: Eddie knows all about traps. This episodic first novel, told in brief, cinematic takes of the various characters, loses momentum midway; but the animal's antics and lively dialogue are consistently entertaining, while the denouement--Mr. Plotkin relents, but his gun misfires and Eddie is hurt--is too cleverly appropriate, and too funny, to reveal here. An easily read story that would also make a fine readaloud. Frequent b&w illustrations not seen. (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-4-- Fast Eddie is a creative raccoon who thoroughly enjoys playing pranks on the Plotkin family. Gradually, his growing anger over the intrusion of humans into his world causes the animal to escalate his activities. When he moves beyond creative sculpture of garbage to bolder, more destructive acts, his friends, a cat, dog, and squirrel, realize that he faces imminent danger from Mr. Plotkin, whose patience has run out. Coleman's detailed descriptions suggest the careful eye of a naturalist, and she does an excellent job of telling the story from the animals' point of view. Their observations and conversations are amusing and well realized. Gillman's abundant pen-and-ink illustrations reflect the text and are particularly adept in portraying Fast Eddie's rakish character. The taut plot, well-drawn characters, unusual point of view, and ecological theme combine to make this an appealing story for children who love animals and care about their future. --Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0027228150
• ISBN 13: 9780027228151
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128
• Illustrator: Gillman Alec