Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot

Gr 3–5—Another adventure of The Unicorn Rescue Society, this time taking place in the Pacific Northwest on land owned by the Muckleshoot Native Americans who are intent on protecting the Sasquatch from the evil Schmoke Brothers' intrusions. Uchenna and Eliot are familiar characters in the series, as are Professor Fauna and the amazing Jersey Devil. Humor from host Mack and his daughter Raven leavens the necessary historical background, which gives weight and adds suspense to the plot. As in previous rescues, Uchenna is thrilled by the danger, while Eliot appears timid until his action is critically needed. Interspersed pen-and-ink drawings provide readers with illustrations at critical junctures and are in keeping with the diverting antics of our heroes. As facts are interwoven and also combined with a multitude of puns, the narrative is informative and lighthearted. The humanoid qualities of the Sasquatch, as well as the Jersey Devil, provide readers with a cuddly impression of these giant beings. The legends around these mythic creatures are often intended to frighten, but these slapstick adventures focus more on preserving and maintaining the environments that are essential to their supposed existence. The message is sometimes subtle, but what is conveyed by the evil selfishness of the Schmoke Brothers and their "SNERT TV: ALL THE NEWS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW" is as blatant as it is hilarious. Learning while laughing is the goal, and it is achieved.