Appelt, Kathi. The Underneath. 2008. Ill. by David Small. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN -13 9781416950585
This low fantasy story written for children is about an old hound dog, Ranger and his survival under the porch of his abusive owner's shack. Ranger develops a special friendship with cat and her kittens and together, the group touches the reader in a way that few books can.
The main character, Ranger, is not human, but readers will have no problem identifying with him. Readers will easily develop a kinship with Ranger and will care what happens to him and the family of cats. The plot is believable since many animals are chained up in the the same manner as Ranger. The plot is original and since readers will want the best for the group of animals, it keeps their interest through the entire story. Overcoming the obstacle of the abusive owner, Gar Face, is certainly a quest for the entire group.
The setting takes place deep in the woods of the bayou. This is important to the story because Gar Face loves to hunt for alligators that live in the swamp. The description is so well done, that readers who have never seen a bayou, can still imagine what it would be like. The theme reflects the universal truth that good is more powerful than evil. The love that the animals feel for each other is another theme and proves that love is more important than power.
The clear and consistent point of view encourages the reader to believe that animals can develop relationships such as that in the story and communicate with one another in their own way. "Here was mostly what the kittens needed: A mother cat who fed them, a perfect place to play, and a hound who promised to watch over the." Appelt's voice creates a distinctive framework for the story and I don't believe any reader will be disappointed. I highly recommend this story to readers of all ages, although animal lovers should keep a stash of tissues handy. This is a book readers will not want to put down until the end in anticipation of a happy ending for Ranger and the family of cats.
Awards and nominations for The Underneath are: Newbery Award-Honor 2009, National Book Award-Finalist 2008, Land of Enchantment Book Award-Nominee 2009-2010, PEN Literary Award-Winner 2009, and several more.
If you enjoy this title, you may enjoy Keeper, also written by Appelt.
School Library Journal
"Small's black-and-white illustrations add a certain languid moodiness to the text. Themes of betrayal, hope, and love are reflected in the three stories, but this is a leisurely, often discouraging journey to what is ultimately an appropriate ending."
Hornbook Guide to Children
"Appelt spins a lyrical, circling narrative, its characters well realized in Small's excellent full-page drawings. This fine book is distinguished by the originality of the story and the fresh beauty of its author's voice."
Further activities for The Underneath can be found at:
http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/adlit_guided_disc/28352/
http://www.emporia.edu/dotAsset/756df51c-f6a0-4b76-ad9a-33cac0e0842f.pdf
http://www.conversationpieceslearning.org/the-underneath.html
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