The Underneath - Kathi Appelt - First Edition, First Printing, HC/DJ

Kathi Appelt

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, 2008

About this Item

Kathi Appelt's The Underneath is a lyrical, myth-inflected novel that blends spare prose with folklore, nature writing, and emotional intensity. Set in the bayous of the American South, the story weaves together the lives of an abused hound, a pregnant stray cat, and a dangerous, haunted man, exploring themes of endurance, loyalty, cruelty, and redemption. Appelt's narrative voice, often compared to a ballad or fable, creates a timeless quality that resonates with both younger readers and adults. Originally published in 2008, this novel received widespread critical acclaim and was a National Book Award finalist, praised for its poetic structure and moral depth. The story unfolds through short, interlocking chapters that move fluidly between perspectives, gradually revealing a mythic history beneath the present-day events. The result is a haunting, emotionally rich reading experience that rewards careful attention. This first edition is illustrated by David Small, whose evocative grayscale drawings amplify the book's mood and sense of place. Small's illustrations, rendered in pencil and Prismacolor, add a visual counterpoint to the text, reinforcing the novel's folkloric atmosphere and emotional gravity. An important modern work of children's and crossover literature, The Underneath stands as one of Appelt's most enduring achievements and remains a sought-after title for collectors of award-nominated contemporary fiction. Kathi Appelt (b. 1954) is an American author known for her poetic, emotionally resonant children's fiction. A former faculty member in Vermont College's MFA program, Appelt's work often draws on folklore, landscape, and mythic storytelling traditions. The Underneath is widely regarded as her signature novel and a landmark achievement in contemporary children's literature.

Seller Inventory # F.APP.2008.1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Underneath - Kathi Appelt - First Edition, First Printing, HC/DJ
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: David Small
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Fiction