Tale of the Pack: Elizabeth Forty and the Treasure of Odin's Island by B. P. Williams

Tale of the Pack is a middle grade fantasy book that was sent to me by the author. After 10-year-old orphan Elizabeth Forty escapes from her abusive orphanage, she  saves Kona, a 3-legged kitten from bullies. However, she was also struck on the head with a rock. When she comes to, Elizabeth gains the ability to talk to animals. Now homeless, the animals welcome her into their home. Her troubles are not over, however, when she learns of a threat at the nearby animal rescue. 

I wish that being hit on the head lead to superpowers! It would be awesome if I could talk to animals, particularly squirrels! That is why this book is a fantasy despite including many realistic themes. It is quite ironic that the nightmare of a children's home and school that Elizabeth ran off from is called "Happydale." Take this quote for example: "Singing, playing, smiling and laughing were strictly forbidden. They were corrosive to the development of character" (Williams 22). I would probably take my chances on the street as well! However, Tale of the Pack quickly took another direction very far from the school and my predictions, with the central antagonist and problem centering on how Isadora Moorson, a dark and greedy woman who abuses animals, is gaining control of an animal rescue center.

As Elizabeth is just 10 years old, her decisions and realizations are not always rational. She still seems a bit more mature than that age, but Elizabeth's intellect and character were written well for a child, missing the bigger picture and consequences of her actions in the "real world." I am not very knowledgeable in property law, but let's just say there were a few moments of laughter in reaction to those ideas. Elizabeth is very bright, however, and has a curious personality. I think that young readers would relate really well to her.

For the ending, I do wish there was an epilogue of what happens after, as there are dozens of possibilities and consequences that could result from the climatic ending. Lessons on the value of friendship and greed were established, but I did feel that there were too many unknowns and plot angles not resolved. I also think that there would be a lot of educational value in explaining the real-world outcomes. 

I recommend this book!

Title: Tale of the Pack: Elizabeth Forty and the Treasure of Odin's Island
Author: B. P. Williams
Publisher: B. P. Williams
Pages: 183
Series: No
Rating: 4 Stars
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