A sweet, but not cloying, adventure story for those who aren't entirely sure about the attractions of adventure but appreciate warm socks. Totally delightful! ( )

I only just discovered Ursula Vernon's first novel for children, and it has the same delightfully off-kilter sensibility as her later writing. In this case, it's a shrew, Nurk, who sets out in search of adventure, inspired by his legendary Grandma Surka's old diary. Nurk receives a letter for Surka by mistake, and he goes downstream to return it to her; when he hits a snag, he is rescued by the letter's sender, who needs Surka's - or his - help: a dragonfly prince has been captured by a giant, blind mole, and his being held prisoner. Nurk somewhat reluctantly agrees to try to save the prince, confronting enormous munching caterpillars and spore-carrying mushrooms along the way.

The story is told in close third person, but an adult authorial voice lurks beneath, warning of the consequences of mail fraud. Highly enjoyable for readers young and old.

"Nurk practically skipped to the cage to unlock the prince but restrained himself. There was no need to get weird." ( )

We all enjoyed this one as a read-aloud. Timid Nurk's reluctant adventuring is very appealing. ( )

I dearly love this book. ( )

Nurk is an amusing and entertaining book for adults to read to their little children and perhaps for small children to read on their own, though there are a few "big words" they may need help with. The occasional illustrations are adorable and the story beautifully written. ( )