Perloo the Bold was published by Scholastic Press in 1998. Perloo is a scholarly Montmer (rabbit) who wants nothing more than to read and think in peace. When the dying Granter (leader) of Montmer territory names Perloo as her successor, the Granter’s son Berwig stages a coup and declares Perloo an outlaw. Perloo must flee into the wilderness, gather allies, and find the courage to claim a leadership role he never wanted.
The novel was a political fable in the tradition of Watership Down and Avi’s own Poppy — using an animal society to explore questions about legitimate authority, the temptation of power, and the particular challenges faced by intellectual, reflective individuals when thrust into positions of leadership.
Collecting Perloo the Bold
First edition (Scholastic Press, New York, 1998): Boards with dust jacket.
Market values:
- Fine in dust jacket: $15–$30
- Very good: $5–$15
Projected values (2026–2036): Modest appreciation.
The Reluctant Leader
Perloo, a scholarly rabbit who would rather read than rule, is unexpectedly named heir to the leadership of the Montmers — a community of rabbits facing threats from within and without. The novel is Avi’s most overtly political fantasy, exploring how a peaceful, intellectual character must navigate the demands of power, the treachery of rivals, and the expectations of followers who want a warrior, not a scholar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Avi approach fantasy? Avi’s fantasy novels (Poppy, Perloo the Bold, The Book Without Words) combine adventure storytelling with moral seriousness. Unlike high fantasy, Avi’s fantasy worlds are intimate in scale — small communities, personal stakes — and the magic, when present, serves the story’s ethical questions rather than providing spectacle.
Projected values (2026–2036): Modest appreciation.
Political Fantasy
Perloo is a scholarly rabbit — more interested in reading than in politics — who is unexpectedly named heir to the leadership of the Montmers. The dying leader’s choice infuriates her ambitious son, who plots to seize power. Perloo must decide whether to accept a responsibility he never wanted or retreat into the scholarly life he loves. Avi uses the animal fantasy to explore themes of reluctant leadership, political intrigue, and the tension between intellectual contemplation and civic duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Avi’s animal fantasy compare to his historical fiction? Both are vehicles for moral questions. The historical novels explore courage and conscience in specific historical contexts; the animal fantasies — Poppy, Perloo, The Good Dog — address the same themes through allegory. Avi has said that he chooses the genre that best serves each particular story.