Kenny & the Book of Beasts

By: Tony DiTerlizzi

Narrated by: Alan Cumming

In this highly anticipated sequel to New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor–winning author Tony DiTerlizzi’s Kenny and the Dragon, Kenny must cope with many changes in his life—including the fear that he’s losing his best friend.

What can come between two best friends?

Time has passed since Kenny Rabbit’s last adventure with his best friend, the legendary dragon Grahame, and a lot has changed in the sleepy village of Roundbrook.

For starters, Kenny has a whole litter of baby sisters. His friends are at different schools and Sir George is off adventuring.

At least Kenny still has his very best friend, Grahame. That’s before Dante arrives. Dante is a legendary manticore and an old friend of Grahame’s. Old friends spend a lot of time catching up. And that catching up does not involve Kenny.

But there’s a Witch to defeat, a pal to rescue, and a mysterious book to unlock. And those are quests for best friends, not old friends. Right?

Critic reviews

"Alan Cumming returns to narrate this sequel to Tony DiTerlizzi's KENNY AND THE DRAGON. This time, Kenny Rabbit and other small animals join forces to rescue Kenny's best friend, Grahame the dragon, from a witch who traps rare legendary creatures inside a magical book. Cumming is clearly having lots of fun while giving distinctive comical voices to Kenny's numerous baby sisters, as well as a cast of other anthropomorphic and mythical animals. Best of all is his portrayal of Grahame. In a droning bass, Cumming conveys the beast's physical presence and personality in a way that will delight listeners. While the lively illustrations in the text enhance the joy of this production, Cumming's narration can definitely stand alone."

The Narrator

The narrator would skip words and even whole sentences. Not a fan of his voice changes for the different characters either.

More substance than book 1

This book had more substance than book 1, albeit occasionally at the expense of enjoyment. Very good ending though. Exceptional narration by Cumming who I can never get enough of.