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The Imaginary Veterinary #5
The Griffin's Riddle
A mysterious sickness from the Imaginary World is sweeping the town of Buttonville. Dr. Woo, Metalmouth, and even the sasquatch have fallen ill. According to Mr. Tabby, the only known cure is a griffin's feather, but there is none in the hospital. Keeping an eye out for Maximus Steele, a poacher wanted for crimes against Imaginary creatures, Ben, Pearl, and Mr. Tabby make their way through the Portal. But danger looms on the other side. Can they persuade the griffin, king of the Imaginary World, to surrender a feather? And at what cost? Suzanne Selfors delivers a wild journey filled with mythical creatures and zany adventures that are anything but imaginary. This book includes bonus writing, art, and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in The Griffin's Riddle. These activities are designed for the home and the classroom. Enjoy doing them on your own or with friends!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
72 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Selfors
68 books846 followersSuzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 4, 2016
The books just keep getting better and better. I just love watching Ben and Pearl grow during their adventures. These books are so full of imagination! I love the adventures that await us in the imaginary world. I love it even more when the imaginary world clashes with the real world...because adventures happen! These books bring me and my boys together every night to snuggle and enter the town of Buttonville with Ben and Pearl...such a gift! There is mystery, suspense and fun within the pages and we can't wait for the next book. 5 stars!
September 5, 2015
Read with daughter, now 11½ and still loving the series. Ben and Pearl deal with some friend friction here, and get dressed up for the Griffin King. The riddles are fun and Grandpa Abe has a part to play by the end. Also, a big confrontation with the villain is brewing - stay tuned!
February 27, 2022
The sasquatch, metalmouth, and Dr. Woo had troll tonsilitus, and other residents of Buttonville had that. Anyone who did not had tonsils did not get it. Pearl and Ben got a feather from the griffin king, who is king of the imaginary world, but the griffin king did not trust them, and he did not give the feather. Well, he did give it eventually. Well, actually they found it in his nest. He has a den and a nest. Mr. Tabby turned out to be a banko, a cat that could shapeshift into a human. He was his cat shape in the imaginary world. They put a little bit of feather into some soup and gave it to everyone who was sick.
I thought it was a good book because it kept my attention.
--first grader
I thought it was a good book because it kept my attention.
--first grader
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2015
I think this one was my favorite so far!
October 7, 2024
For their own reasons, Ben and Pearl, apprentices to Imaginary Veterinary Dr. Emerald Woo, are having a bad mood day. It's frankly not a good look for them. But wait till they meet the Griffin, the giant half-eagle, half-lion who's the king of the Imaginary World. His moods actually affect the weather. And if he doesn't like them, he could keep them from going back to Buttonville forever.
Failure is not an option on this mission. Almost everybody in town, including Dr. Woo, has come down with a case of troll tonsillitis. It's extremely contagious and it makes your face swell up like, well, a troll's. Luckily, both Ben and Pearl have already had their tonsils taken out, so they're immune. That leaves only them to travel to the king's, er, palace. Them and Dr. Woo's quirky assistant, Mr. Tabby, who (you may not be surprised to learn) turns into a cat whenever he goes to the Imaginary World. His feline behavior is really unhelpful when they've got to persuade a temperamental Griffin to give them one of his feathers, which is the only cure to troll tonsillitis. Even less helpful is the nefarious Maximus Steele, an evil imaginary creatures poacher who menaces the kids during their urgent mission.
With this fifth book in the "Imaginary Veterinary" series, I'm only one book away from being completely caught up on the series; and that book is The Fairy Swarm. The fact that all six of these books were written about a decade ago puts me in a bit of a bad mood (to continue the theme), since it means it's unlikely the series will continue past the next book, and I'm really enjoying it. The hero kids have flaws and feelings that I can sympathize with. They're growing and achieving bigger things than they would expect of themselves, than most people they know would expect of them. They're fun to hang around with, and each of their adventures is loaded with magic, danger and hilarity. I'll be sorry to take leave of them. But Suzanne Selfors has other books to explore, such as a "Smells Like" trilogy featuring a dog, a bunch of "Ever After High" books including "Fairy's Got Talent, a trilogy about a dog and a guinea pig named Wedgie and Gizmo, multiple stand-alone books and a couple of upcoming "Willow's Woods" stories, due for release in 2025.
Failure is not an option on this mission. Almost everybody in town, including Dr. Woo, has come down with a case of troll tonsillitis. It's extremely contagious and it makes your face swell up like, well, a troll's. Luckily, both Ben and Pearl have already had their tonsils taken out, so they're immune. That leaves only them to travel to the king's, er, palace. Them and Dr. Woo's quirky assistant, Mr. Tabby, who (you may not be surprised to learn) turns into a cat whenever he goes to the Imaginary World. His feline behavior is really unhelpful when they've got to persuade a temperamental Griffin to give them one of his feathers, which is the only cure to troll tonsillitis. Even less helpful is the nefarious Maximus Steele, an evil imaginary creatures poacher who menaces the kids during their urgent mission.
With this fifth book in the "Imaginary Veterinary" series, I'm only one book away from being completely caught up on the series; and that book is The Fairy Swarm. The fact that all six of these books were written about a decade ago puts me in a bit of a bad mood (to continue the theme), since it means it's unlikely the series will continue past the next book, and I'm really enjoying it. The hero kids have flaws and feelings that I can sympathize with. They're growing and achieving bigger things than they would expect of themselves, than most people they know would expect of them. They're fun to hang around with, and each of their adventures is loaded with magic, danger and hilarity. I'll be sorry to take leave of them. But Suzanne Selfors has other books to explore, such as a "Smells Like" trilogy featuring a dog, a bunch of "Ever After High" books including "Fairy's Got Talent, a trilogy about a dog and a guinea pig named Wedgie and Gizmo, multiple stand-alone books and a couple of upcoming "Willow's Woods" stories, due for release in 2025.
July 13, 2018
Troll Tonsillitis is spreading, Dr Woo, half of the hospital, and quite a few in Buttonville have it. That means that Mr. Tabby has to go to the imaginary world to bring back a cure. Due to unfortunate side effects, he has to take Ben and Pearl along.
Once again, this story is filled with amazing imaginary characters from the Griffin King himself to the many Satyrs. For myself, getting to voice the satyrs out loud is one of my all time favorite reading experiences.
There are so many great things that happen in this story, and thankfully a lot of them are illustrated. I can't express my love of the illustrations enough.
Once again, this story is filled with amazing imaginary characters from the Griffin King himself to the many Satyrs. For myself, getting to voice the satyrs out loud is one of my all time favorite reading experiences.
There are so many great things that happen in this story, and thankfully a lot of them are illustrated. I can't express my love of the illustrations enough.
July 15, 2018
Ben and Pearl are assistants to Dr. Woo, a vet who helps creatures from the Imaginary World. The doctor and most of the small town have gotten sick with Troll Tonsillitis. Only the assistants can find the one thing needed for the cure: a griffin's feather. Yet will the King Griffin so easily give up a feather?
Another great book in this children's fantasy series. I'm reading them with my eight-year-old son and he loves them. There are riddles and more on the overall villain in this story. I love seeing how a couple of ten-year-olds make their way through strange and fantastical situations. Mr. Tabby was especially amusing in this one!
Another great book in this children's fantasy series. I'm reading them with my eight-year-old son and he loves them. There are riddles and more on the overall villain in this story. I love seeing how a couple of ten-year-olds make their way through strange and fantastical situations. Mr. Tabby was especially amusing in this one!
June 19, 2019
This is the last book in the Imaginary Veterinary series. The kids have to get a griffin's feather and they meet Max Stealer for the first time. Max lets them out of a cage. Then he got angry and tried to destroy the Imaginary Veterinary to take over the world, like all bad guys seem to want to do these days.
January 20, 2021
The griffin king is a cool character. I love that Mr. Tabby is one of the somewhat central characters. And we meet our villain once again. I had hoped there would be a scene where Ben makes up a riddle to reveal the villain’s ill intent to the king, but no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
What a great series! I thought it was super funny when Mr Tabby was in cat form. Maximus Steele is so sneaky. I think I dislike him more than Ben and Pearl do!
February 16, 2019
this is a great book! everyone should read this series.
April 9, 2020
Reading out loud with my youngest. She likes the series well enough.
May 25, 2021
Suzanne has out done her self with this series of books, this one was great! highly recommend reading it!
February 6, 2022
4.5. The only reason I lowered my rating from a five is that the story repeats things readers of the series already know. I fee like it had a lot of filler in it.
July 10, 2023
See this. This is brain break food. I love it
November 1, 2024
It was a good book, I liked it.
I usually like the book that is narrated by Ben, the book that is narrated by Pearl.
I
I usually like the book that is narrated by Ben, the book that is narrated by Pearl.
I
March 8, 2017
The nefarious Maximus Steele is revealed! This series continues to be fun for me and my daughters as a read-aloud!
October 2, 2025
Counting as a novel. 26/25 in 2025
May 16, 2021
This was probably my favorite book in this series thus far! I felt like I was able to quickly get immersed into the action and I found myself flying through it! There was so much happening throughout this story that kept me engaged, and I was really appreciative of that because the last few stories felt a bit lackluster to me.
One of the things that appealed to me most while reading this story was that it was written from Ben’s point-of-view. I’ve always found Pearl to be annoying, so getting more of a focus on Ben was refreshing and actually enjoyable! With this, I liked the growth that Ben went through in this story. He faced his fears and his anxieties head-on in order to become a better, stronger person. He went out of his comfort zone, took risks he wouldn’t typically take, trusted Pearl a bit more, and so much more. It was a really excellent character arc that Selfors created for him.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/202...
One of the things that appealed to me most while reading this story was that it was written from Ben’s point-of-view. I’ve always found Pearl to be annoying, so getting more of a focus on Ben was refreshing and actually enjoyable! With this, I liked the growth that Ben went through in this story. He faced his fears and his anxieties head-on in order to become a better, stronger person. He went out of his comfort zone, took risks he wouldn’t typically take, trusted Pearl a bit more, and so much more. It was a really excellent character arc that Selfors created for him.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/202...
May 22, 2015
This series has been quite the gem. Ever since I got the entire series at school, I cannot keep the books checked in. I even have 5 copies of book 1 and none of them are ever available. Nevermind that book 1 is now on the OBOB list for 2015-16. This installment introduces a griffin, Violet's brother Vinny and finds Ben and Pearl face to face with the evil Maximus Steele. Troll tonsillitis has swept through the town of Buttonville and it's up to Ben, Pearl and Mr. Tabby to acquire the feather from the grffin in order to cure everyone.
April 3, 2015
Love this series, even though I skipped books 3 & 4, I fell right back into the Buttonville action, stands alone quite well without confusing references to previous adventures, which in fact, make me want to go back to the other books. Easy to read chapter book with some nice turns of phrase: "full frontal germ bath" or "locked gate that kept out anyone with a snoopy disposition" Nice theme of home is where the heart is. Fun activities and info behind the imaginary creatures in the back matter.
June 26, 2015
I really enjoy Suzanne's books. She does a great job trying to keep you interested in what will happen not only in this book, but what will come in the following books. I cannot wait until August when she publishes her next book because I'm excited to know what happens when Ben and Pearl tell Dr. Woo about what happened in this book. And even though I'm reading these for my daughter, they are great books for adults too.
November 8, 2016
This book was interesting and fun. All the books in the Imaginary Veterinary series are the best books ever! Every book has new and exciting adventures and mysteries. WHEN I READ THESE BOOKS AND USE MY IMAGINATION, IT'S LIKE I'M IN THE WORLD OF THE CREATURES! I hope she never stops writing these books and that she starts even more series about Ben and Pearl as adults, and their children becoming apprentices of the Worm Hospital! READ THESE BOOKS!
May 3, 2015
This time Ben and Pearl are in charge, and must save the town from Troll Tonsillitis by obtaining a griffin's feather. Along the way, Pearl and Ben discover some interesting things about Mr. Tabby and Dr. Woo.
August 31, 2015
Another addition to the popular Imaginary Veterinary series. This time Ben and Pearl help Mr. Tabby retrieve a griffin's feather to cure a Troll Tonsillitis epidemic. A fast paced romp that will appeal to young readers who enjoy a dash of mythology mixed with their fantasy adventure.
July 16, 2016
Such a great series to read aloud! Just the right amount of intrigue, excitement, and mystery for my 6 year old. Great role models. I also loved the author's goodbye to the characters at the end of this book.
November 14, 2016
Another excellent adventure of Pearl Petal and Ben heading to the imaginary realm to get a griffin's feather in order to cure Dr. Woo and others of Troll Tonsillitis. Grumpy Cat has nothing on Mr. Tabby! What a challenge when he shapeshifts! Highly recommended for Gr. 4-5.
March 7, 2015
Suzanne Selfors' Imaginary Veterinary series is so much fun! The Griffin's Riddle: Book 5 is a continuation of that fun.
May 15, 2015
a nice addition to the series. Looking forward to learning more about the mysterious new character.
May 20, 2015
Better than the previous 2 books. However, the 1st is still my fav and I would love to see more of Bigfoot in subequent books. A bigfoot loose on the town is just hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews