Reviews: (by author)

Ogden, Charles. Rare Beasts. Illus. Rick Carton. Berkeley: Tricycle Press, 2003. $12.95. ISBN 1-58246-110-4. 110 pp.  

Visit www.edgarandellen.com.

The title Rare Beasts is a reference to the two main characters' plot to make some quick money through their fictitious Exotic Animal Emporium.   Twelve-year-old twins Edgar and Ellen embark on a late night mission to kidnap house pets from residents in their town of Nod's Limb and then apply paint and other costumes to the pets they have captured to resell them as exotic animals at expensive prices.   In one instance a beagle is given horns and an exotic tail and is to be sold as a "Fuddleflinger" for one thousand dollars.    Both their decoration techniques and the sibling rivalry that is displayed between the twins make the story humorous.    There are also more serious topics brought up throughout the story.   In one instance the twins come across a group of poverty stricken brothers who live in the local sewer.   Edgar and Ellen observe the brothers and reflect on the way that their lives are different from them because of their respective financial situations.   In the end the twins' plot is discovered and they are left to devise another plot of mischief in Nod's Limb.

The book is filled with great black and white illustrations that are a cross between regular cartoon and gothic styles.   Some of the cartoon style illustrations are placed in the text which add decoration to pages but are not particularly detailed.   The gothic style illustrations are very detailed and clever and enhance the character of the book very well.   An easy read and enjoyable story.

Recommended Neal Schneider, May 2004

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