The Animal Rescue Agency #2: Case File: Pangolin Pop Star - by Eliot Schrefer

About the Book

"After a frigid Arctic rescue, Esquire and Mr. Pepper get the perfect opportunity to warm up--an invitation to Beatle the Pangolin's private island concert. Sun and sand await! But when Esquire and Mr. Pepper arrive, the island is in chaos. Field agent Alphonse delivers the bad news: due to an incident during dress rehearsal, Beatle is trapped underground, and foul play is likely. The worst news: there's no way to reach Beatle and there are multiple suspects: Jewel, Beatle's sister and backup dancer; Arabella, the monkey stage manager; Butch, a vengeful wildcat. Finding the culprit and saving Beatle before it's too late--this might be the Animal Rescue Agency's most challenging case yet"--

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer's second installment in the middle grade Animal Rescue Agency series sends your favorite fox and chicken duo on a tropical adventure to save the world's biggest pangolin pop star.

After a frigid arctic rescue, Esquire and Mr. Pepper get the perfect opportunity to warm up--an invitation to Beatle the Pangolin's private island concert. Sun and sand await!

But when Esquire and Mr. Pepper arrive, the island is in chaos. Field agent Alphonse delivers the bad news: due to an incident during dress rehearsal, Beatle is trapped underground, and foul play is likely. The worst news: There's no way to reach Beatle and there are multiple suspects:

Jewel, Beatle's sister and backup dancerArabella, the monkey stage managerButch, a vengeful wildcat

Finding the culprit and saving Beatle before it's too late--this might be the Animal Rescue Agency's most challenging case yet!

Review Quotes

Praise for Animal Rescue Agency #1: "Moments of absurdity amplified by cartoon-inflected illustrations by Duncan make for a lighthearted read with environmental conservation at its core." -- Publishers Weekly

"With its odd-couple protagonists (the daring, but slightly vain Esquire Fox and stodgy, sensible Mr. Pepper), and entertaining portrayal of the animal world, this new series by the Endangered author is full of lighthearted adventure. Cartoon-style illustrations by Duncan add to the story's charm. This lively new series will appeal to fans of Elisabetta Dami's "Geronimo Stilton" and other anthropomorphic animal adventure stories." -- School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR GOGI'S GAMBIT: ? "The second installment in this fast-paced fantasy is enhanced by the richly detailed rainforest setting... a tale about how to celebrate differences and still find unity. Another knockout in a series that will appeal to nature lovers, animal lovers, and fans of magical adventure." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Schrefer's second book in the Lost Rainforest series continues the enthralling fantasy adventures of this eclectic group of animals and hints at where the next threat to the rain forest will come from. Fans of Mez's Magic and Katherine Applegate's Endling #1: The Last (2018) will eagerly devour Gogi's Gambit." -- Booklist (starred review)

PRAISE FOR MEZ'S MAGIC: "Unlike anything I've read. Eliot Schrefer has mined the richness and depths of his setting to find a deeper magic, immersing us in a world that is at once complex, dangerous, beautiful, and ultimately demanding of our protection. A thrilling start to an exceptional new series." -- Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series

"While the story is pure fast-paced fantasy, the underlying issues are real. Ignorance among the species, racism, and intolerance of differences are rampant. An author's note highlights the beauty and importance of the rainforest. Magic with depth in this new series stunner." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Just right for middle grade readers who want an engrossing fantasy adventure." -- School Library Journal

"With a memorable, quick-bantering cast, this kickoff to the Lost Rainforest series, a playful departure from Schrefer's ape novels, brings fresh perspective to the magical animal subgenre. And, despite the fantasy setup, readers will come away learning quite a bit about this ecosystem and its inhabitants." -- Publishers Weekly

"Mez's Magic is packed with as many jokes as fast-paced fight scenes. And Schrefer has created a stock of memorable characters--including Gogi, a monkey with self-esteem issues; Rumi, a delightfully urbane tree frog; and a manic, pixie-dream bat named Lima." -- New York Times Book Review

PRAISE FOR RESCUED: "[T]he portrayal of Raja as an intelligent, complex individual is gripping and heartbreaking. Schrefer continues to be a vital voice for wildlife conservation and ape empathy." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Schrefer, a well-deserving two-time National Book Award finalist, approaches the conundrums and difficulties of our relationship with apes with sensitivity and finesse... enthralling, fast-paced, adventurous and deeply touching." -- New York Times Book Review

"This is a book that combines skillful interpretation of orangutan character, the cruelty inherent in keeping apes as pets, and the plight of the wild orangutans. Eliot has created unforgettable characters in Raja, the orphaned ape and his human 'brother, ' John. Moving, fascinating and eye opening." -- Dr. Jane Goodall

"Schrefer beautifully shows the humanity we share with all living things." -- School Library Journal

"Well researched and emotionally rich." -- The Horn Book