EVANGELINA MUDD AND THE GREAT MINK ESCAPADE
by David Elliott & illustrated by Andrea Wesson
Bored with her quiet life waiting for the birth of her new brother or sister, Evangeline yearns for a new adventure. It arrives in the form of a lavender envelope marked “URGENT!!!” To make good on a promise, she must travel back to Mudd Manor, an ugly home owned by Melvin, a distant relative, and his wife India, a semi-famous ballerina. While attempting to thwart Melvin’s latest scheme involving turning minks into clothing, Evangeline meets Alexy Alexy, a ballerina able to jump 30 feet, and his evil trainer, Ratsputin. Never one to shrink from an adventure or a promise, Evangeline manages to free the minks, save a baby elephant, steer her odd relatives into happier lives and free Alexy Alexy from his bondage. Readers will not be able to resist smart, quirky Evangeline as she unicycles her way through yet another wild tale. Original and fun. (Fiction. 7-10)