In one of the traps, Ereth finds Leaper the Fox-who, with her dying breath, begs the prickly porcupine to take care of her three boisterous young kits, Tumble, Nimble, and Flip. And what treat could be more special than tasty salt? But the nearest salt is located deep in the forest, in a cabin occupied by fur hunters, who have set out traps to capture the Dimwood Forest animals. “Belching Beavers,” says Ereth, “I am not angry!” (Though, perhaps he is-and more than just a little.)Įreth knows his special occasion deserves a special treat-even if he has to get it for himself.

But Poppy has gone off somewhere with her husband, Rye, and it appears she has forgotten all about it. And he fully expects his best friend Poppy, a deer mouse, to help him celebrate in a grand manner. He too sets out to show Ereth who's boss.Erethizon Dorsatum-better known as Ereth, the self-centered, foul-tempered old porcupine-is having a birthday. 'Jellied walrus warts!' Ereth exclaims, but reluctantly agrees.Ĭertainly this day is not going as he planned-and it's only just the beginning! Not only does Ereth suddenly have a rambunctious new family to take care of, but he's being stalked by Marty the Fisher, the one creature in Dimwood Forest who can do him harm.Īnd Bounder, the father of the three little foxes, remembers all too well the nose full of quills he got a while back from the grumpy old animal who now fancies himself the leader of the den. In one of the traps, Ereth finds Leaper the Fox-who, with her dying breath, begs the prickly porcupine to take care of her three boisterous young kits, Tumble, Nimble, and Flip. And what treat could be more special than tasty salt? But the nearest salt is located deep in the forest, in a cabin occupied by fur hunters, who have set out traps to capture the Dimwood Forest animals.

'Belching Beavers,' says Ereth, 'I am not angry!' (Though perhaps he is-and more than just a little.)Įreth knows his special occasion deserves a special treat-even if he has to get it for himself. And he fully expects his best friend Poppy, a deer mouse, to help him celebrate in a grand manner.īut Poppy has gone off somewhere with her husband, Rye, and it appears she has forgotten all about it. The fifth book in the beloved Poppy series by Newbery Medal–winning author Avi, with illustrations from Caldecott Medal–winning artist Brian Floca.Įrethizon Dorsatum-better known as Ereth, the self-centered, foul-tempered old porcupine-is having a birthday.

Ereths birthday