by
Avi / Drawings by Brian Floca
THE MAYOR OF CENTRAL PARK
by
Avi / Drawings by Brian Floca
Newbery Medal author Avi creates a cast of characters to whom readers will relate: Oscar Westerwit, the mayor of Central Park...Arty, the "big cat" with a good pitching arm and a penchant for trouble...Big Daddy Duds, head of a downtown rat gang...Mr. Van Blunker, a rich old goat who lives in a dusty, lavish mansion...and more!
Now the way I heard it, this whole loopy story happened in the pearly month of May 1900, right here in the middle of New York City. It's mostly about this gray squirrel who went by the name of Oscar Westerwit.
To look at Oscar Westerwit you might think, hey, just another New York City squirrel. Only thing is, if you said that, you'd be dead wrong. 'Cause the simple scoop is that this here Oscar Westerwit was a full-sized uptown romantic.
When Big Daddy Duds organizes an invasion of the park with 500 close pals, the mayor must spring into action. All the peace-loving animals in the park expect him to save them, but can he save even himself? Avi is a genius at developing a voice that incorporates humor and suspense. The Mayor of Central Park is no exception. It's fast-paced and keeps readers guessing throughout its 36 chapters.
Few children's books hold an adult's attention like this one. Definitely a keeper!