to their original forms are stuck that way forever. Hawk Man then traps Grandmother in a clay jar for what she did, where she stews in her bitterness and anger. The Alligator King is an alligator who was friends with Grandmother Moccasin before her imprisonment, who also happens to be the alligator that Gar Face is trying to lure using Ranger. When storms release Grandmother, she decides to do something unexpected. She sees the love between the kittens and the hound, and frees Ranger from where he is chained. However, she is hit by a stray bullet from Gar Face. As she lays dying, she is at last reunited by her granddaughter Rainbow Bird, who took the form of a hummingbird. The Alligator King eventually eats Gar Face. Characters Ranger An old hound dog who is chained up underneath the house Gar Face Ranger's owner whose goal is to catch the alligator living in the bayou Calico cat mother The nameless cat who gives birth to Sabine and Puck Sabine the kitten who stays with Ranger under the house (girl) Puck the kitten who left to explore and lost his way(boy) Grandmother Moccasin - a lamia who is trapped in a clay jar Night Song Grandmother Moccasin's daughter who is also a lamia Rainbow Bird a hummingbird with the ability to accompany spirits to the other side, who is also searching for someone, who is also Night Song's daughter Hawk Man Night Songs husband Alligator King the oldest alligator known to man also friends with Grandmother Moccasin Critical reception Horn Book Magazine called it a "lyrical, circling narrative" that stands out because of "the originality of the story and the fresh beauty of its author’s voice". Kirkus Reviews called it a "magical tale of betrayal, revenge, love and the importance of keeping promises". Scholastic said "this harrowing yet sweet story is a tale about the power of love and hate". Booklist admitted that some readers "may struggle with Appelt’s repeated phrases and poetic fragments" but that most "will be pulled forward by the vulnerable pets’ survival adventure". However the School Library Journal gave a more lukewarm review, stating that "the pace of this book is meandering" and calls the book "a leisurely, often discouraging journey to what is ultimately an appropriate ending". Awards John Newbery Honor Book 2009 2009 ALA Notable Children's Book National Book Award Finalist 2008 References External