Urchin of the Riding Stars (The Mistmantle Chronicles) Paperback by M.I. McAllister (Author), Christine Enright (Illustrator)

4.1 on Goodreads 6,429 ratings

This is Sr. If you haven't noticed by now amid all of the tough old dude hype I put out, I am an absolute sucker for a good fairytale fantasy. And that is exactly what this is. One of the best. I have seen it compared to "Watership Down" and "The Wind in the Willows". For this price, check this out.

On a night of riding stars, a tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised by a welcoming colony of animals, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of his mysterious origins.

The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When a murder is committed, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, ruthless animals are determined to seize the throne. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake...

Triumphant heroes and brilliantly wicked villains do battle in this first book of the treasured, heart-stopping Mistmantle adventure series. Glorious new illustrations by Christine Enright capture the spirit of Urchin and his world.