The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow

Milkweed Meadow #2

by Elaine Dimopoulos, Doug Salati (Illustrator)

Butternut and the meadow creatures return in this middle-grade adventure sequel that will charm animal-loving fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Clarice the Brave. Illustrated by Caldecott winner Doug Salati.After their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back--now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling. But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew. When it turns out the turkeys—and the grand show—are not what they seem, Butternut's family and friends are suddenly in imminent danger. Butternut must figure out how to trust herself and find help. In the end, the hope is that friendship will win once more. Beautiful and arresting black-and-white illustrations bring the animals to life in this heartwarming story about trusting our instincts, trusting our creative talents, and trusting those who know and love us, even when it’s hard.

Genres: Middle Grade, Juvenile

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the surface the delightful premise of a meadow full of birds, rodents and toads putting on a play. Underneath, duplicitous actions are unleashed.

Summer-mini24: 2) Flame on the cover

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was written collaboratively by an 8-year-old and 10-year-old:

Amazing Alliterations always abound at Milkweed Meadow!

I liked this book. In my opinion, it was more epic than The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow, which is the book that came before in the Milkweed Meadow series. When the traveling turkey acting group comes to Milkweed Meadow everyone wants to act. Butternut was really excited about the play but when she was not selected for the play, she was disappointed. The reason she was disappointed was because all of the other bunnies had been selected.

She was worried that nobody would want to listen to her stories because the play was so interesting, so she acted selfishly. This is the story of how she overcame the challenges. I like this book because most of the reason it is epic is the emotional connection to the main character. I felt nervous when I was reading the book because I was worried Butternut was going to get in a lot of trouble. Sometimes she messed things up but the way the author wrote about her made me care about her, so when things got messed up I really wanted her to fix things.

I liked that it taught to not judge a creature by what they are, but instead by what they do. There were many examples of this in the story, including possible predators, like a hawk. I thought that it was interesting that Butternut isn’t perfect. She makes bad choices, but in the end she does the best that she can to help the creatures of Milkweed Meadow.

My favorite character is Goosegrass, because she is funny, supportive, and I like her name. An example of Goosegrass being supportive was when she made sure that everyone was listening to Butternut’s story. I recommend this book to everyone 7-12 years old.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butternut and the other Milkweed Meadow creatures are on a new adventure. This time, a group of turkeys show up with hopes of staging a production that includes all of the animals. When Butternut doesn't make the cut, she is hurt, but she also senses there is something else going on.

It's an adventure I couldn't wait to finish. I just love this group of animals.

[Nawal Ciaramitaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more the first one in the series! I highly recommend for lovers of Charlotte's Web. It had friendship, drama, and intrigue.

[Ashri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

I love Watership Down. So when I found out about this book, I immediately requested to read it. Some people said this book is the kids friendly version of Watership Down. I have to say that I agree with them. It’s just… this book is not Watership Down. It is enjoyable as itself.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of both this book and the author. I was fortunate enough to learn about the book from the author when she did a zoom at my elementary school. The student's enthusiasm as they learned about the sequel was a delight to see. It is already flowing off the shelf this summer by those attending summer library and I have only heard positive reviews.

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. This time around Butternut is an evolving character. Butternut is known for her storytelling, but she begins to question her ability and uniqueness when traveling turkeys show up in the meadow and purpose putting on a theatrical production with help from the local animals. Butternut finds herself snubbed.

Butternut soon uncovers that the animals in the meadow are all in danger but due to her earlier jealous actions the others might not believe her. It is a story about friendship and trusting others. I am excited to continue talking with students about the sequel and hear their thoughts. I love how invested the students are in this series. It makes my heart so happy!!!
 
2024 52 Book Club reading challenge #15 Part of a duology

[Diana Renn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Milkweed Meadow animals are back for a fresh adventure! Butternut, the beloved storytelling rabbit from Book 1 (Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow) has some fresh challenges, too, including a gaggle of traveling thespian turkeys who've come to town to stage a show, a human friend - a little girl - whom his fellow meadow creatures would not approve of (for safety reasons), a circling red-tailed hawk to watch out for, and a tough creative block, made worse when his audition for the play falls flat. As with Book 1, the power of stories to bring people together and to change perceptions and minds is a strong theme, made all the more potent by the case of writer's block (and the very creative solution!) There is indeed peril - this book (and the enchanting illustrations by Doug Salati) had me covering my eyes, gripping the book, gasping and laughing. And the resolution is one of the most satisfying I've read in a book, hitting all the right notes. A must-read for animal-lovers AND theatre-goers, of all ages!

[petalpineink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milkweed Meadow has won my heart once again with another bright and cozy story, but this time with a twist ending.

As summer blazes on in Milkweed Meadow, its inhabitants are introduced to a traveling band of theater performing turkeys. And with their taste of a good story, naturally all of the resident feature join in for a grand performance. But Butternut finds herself not shining as brightly as she imagined she would. And what this business about a circling hawk? And something about an omnivorous raccoon? Dive into this read to see the intrigue build and discover how these creatures all end up connected in an unexpected ending.

I highly recommend this second installment of the Milkweed Meadow series. Between the whimsical language that will challenge any young reader to build their vocabulary to the exploration of age appropriate morals - feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, remembering to trust your greatest friends - this read was stellar.

Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for an ARC of this book.

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking animals living almost realistic lives for ages 8-12. The novelty of the first book earned it 5 stars. I was ready for it this time, I guess. I was also quite uncomfortable when Butternut, our main character, has a lot of trouble and sadness through much of the book, which leads her to make unfortunate decisions. Since this takes up much of the book, it wasn't as enjoyable for me. The premise of who the "bad guys" are didn't work for me, either, I don't think they could eat that much. (Trying not to give too much away!) The ending was, of course, a beautiful resolution to the problems, with lots of forgiveness and tender feelings.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a totally cute and lemon sugar sweet. Meaning, there is a hint of acid which is necessary for a book to be not treacly. I loved Butternut and her friends, especially her secret friendship with a human. And, the turkey troupe, wanting to engage the animals in the meadow for a grand show, and things are not what they appear, will hook readers of all ages. Plus, the illustrations were lovely. This reminded me a bit of Charlotte's Web and readers of Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo will be thrilled to explore the Milkweed Meadow.

I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Milkweed Meadow saga! Again, the characters are charming and fun. I love little Piper, the robin who refuses to believe that anyone is surly just for the sake of being surly. He tries so hard to love and make friends with everyone.

The plot is definitely for a younger middle but the vocabulary is hard at times, which would make this a great read aloud for the whole family.

Highly recommend!

Found in L4M Bundle.

[Andrea Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved the characters of milkweed meadow so much, and the 2nd book only made us love them more! This story was a bit slower, but equally as compelling and sweet. Love the way it is written and gives such great details. Butternut and Piper are our two favorite besties. 😍

[Julia Harkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courage and friendship abound again. However the very real predator/prey situation in a story in which animals talk made the intensity of the peril very, very intense for my 2nd grader.

[Amitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read! My 11 yo tore through this book. She loved it even more than the first one!

[Victor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy it

[Sarah - Blessed Mom of Two · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a really cute, enjoyable series so far. I hope they come out with more.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year old rates this 5 stars. So that’s that.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel that was even better than the original! Highly recommend for 2nd-5th graders.

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A bunny must always trust her brambles. Butternut suspected from the start that those grandiose gobblers were up to no good - and she was right, is my opinion!

What an utterly delightful middle grade romp. The anthropomorphic characters are completely relatable to those of us without tails or wings. Who among us hasn't felt the sting of jealously? The temptation to fib when we feel hurt? The gloom of self-doubt?

A tale about the magic of storytelling, trusting one's gut and forgiveness, suitable for all curious creatures.