MURRAY THE VIKING

Herring, longboats, and inordinately pointy hats greet our hero in his latest outing.

“Adventuring always seems to be about DOING things rather than napping after eight herring sandwiches.” Alas for poor Murray the cat. Once again he’s called upon to be bold and intrepid. Ever since his useless owner, the wizard Fumblethumb, cast a spell on Murray’s cat flap, Murray’s found himself unwillingly going on adventures with his valiant (and adorable) rabbit sidekick, Bun. This time the duo are transported to the Viking era. Eggrik the Viking has disappeared, presumably taken by trolls, and according to Eggrik’s friends, it’s up to Murray to find and save him (assuming he hasn’t been eaten first). After Murray and Bun encounter the trolls in question, they realize that they’re likable creatures, more prone to sticking carrots up their noses than gobbling people. So where is Eggrik? The answer surprises everyone. Murray’s reluctance to embrace his role as hero only adds to the book’s entertainment as he attempts to resist the call…and then saves the day anyway. Brief asides and subtle details in the delightful art combine for a tale that’s both memorable and funny. Human characters are light-skinned.

Heroes aren’t born, they’re made…by slipping through enchanted cat flaps. A marvelous entry in a charming series.