Poppy

By: Avi

Narrated by: John McDonough

In the third book in the Tales of Dimwood Forest by Newbery Medal–winning author Avi, a tiny deer mouse named Poppy dares to stand up to a tyrannical owl.

Poppy knew she was taking a risk following her beloved Ragweed to Bannock Hill, but a night of dancing with the handsome golden mouse was just too tempting. So when Ragweed is scooped up by the sinister owl, Mr. Ocax, who rules over Dimwood forest, she’s devastated. Her whole life she was warned of Mr. Ocax’s evil ways … how could she have been so foolish to put herself and Ragweed at risk?

To make matters worse, when Poppy attempts to move with her family to a different part of the woods where the food supply is richer, Mr. Ocax refuses to let them go. Despite what she’s been led to believe for years, Mr. Ocax is not as strong as he wants the mice to think he is. Armed with the bravery, gumption, and wit of a hero, Poppy embarks on a dangerous quest—joined by the irascible but lovable porcupine, Ereth—to defeat Mr. Ocax and lead her family to a better home.

A perennially popular story of courage and determination, Poppy is a fixture on state award lists and in classrooms across the country.

©1995 Avi (P)1996 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“This exciting story is richly visual. The underlying messages, to challenge unjust authority and to rely on logic and belief in oneself, are palatably blended with action and suspense.”—School Library Journal

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner • ALA Notable Book • ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice • School Library Journal Best Book • Multiple State Awards

Listen as a family in the car

Wonderful story to listen to with my kids as we drove to and from school. We were all on the edge of our seats!

Family Favorite

Would you consider the audio edition of Poppy to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What did you like best about this story?

Great characters, great reader. A favorite of our whole family, ages 3-36.

Which scene was your favorite?

Poppy is caught in the grasp of Ocax and finding creative ways to fight for her life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Poppy has multiple realizations about truth and comes to some conclusions based on her experiences that differ from what she first believed. This growth is powerful to watch.

Kids' first audiobook

This was the first Audible pick to listen with my kiddos and we enjoyed it! It was great for listening in the car on the way to sports practices. They grumbled a bit at first, but didn't make a peep once it was playing. What a charming story! Narration was top notch.

Great Listen for the Whole Family

My teenager and 4 year old both enjoyed listening to this book. We really enjoyed the adventures of Poppy and especially loved the scenes with the porcupine! This really is a great book for the whole family on a road trip!

Just wonderful!

What did you love best about Poppy?

My eight year old absolutely loved this story read aloud. He was captivated by the performance and loved the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Poppy?

The ending of course!