The Underneath

The Underneath
By: Kathi Appelt

One of the most original and haunting books I’ve ever read. It’s disguised as a children’s book but, as all great children’s books do, The Underneath sings to readers of all ages. On the surface, I could say it’s a story about an old hound dog in the Florida bayou who’s been chained under his abusive owner’s trailer for most of his life and what he finds the strength to do… to protect and defend two kittens from being used as alligator bait by his “master”. He does this by hiding them under the porch- he can keep them safe as long as they stay in the “underneath”. But if I left it there, that would be a disservice to a great work. This powerful book is really about ancient themes- love and loss, betrayal, redemption, magic and love. Read and savor this more than once in your life.

Jean
Greenbrier Library