Editorial Review
In a world of talking animals, there is one burning question: Did humans ever exist? Thelonious Chipmunk believes he has proof that they did: a postcard showing a building made of concrete and glass. But his sister thinks the postcard's just a dumb piece of paper, and that humans are only make-believe.
Then one day a flash flood carries Thelonious away. When he comes to, he's in a strange world that looks something like his postcard, but not quite. Then he realizes that this is the city on his postcard, only crumbling and decaying. But if this means humans did exist, where did they go? Thelonious, along with some new friends, sets off to find out.
And thus, the adventure begins!
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Customer Reviews
a great gift 
2008-07-03
I purchased this book and its two sequels for my ten-year-old nephew, who can read fairly well but is not enthusiastic about reading. He liked the books well enough, but I wondered if they would get him to read. Well, today I got his thank-you note, and he is already on the second book of the series! I think the format is what draws in reluctant readers: he likes the text, but the comic part really turns him on. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Excellent part-comic and part-book adventure 2008-05-08
Excellent book and series for the younger reader. An adult could read the entire book in about an hour or two max.
One of the things I like most is the lack of fantasy. Sure much of the story is fantastic and the science is minimal, but nobody is pulling out a spell and whipping up some magic.
Much of the current science fiction has given way to fantasy with good luck charms, witches, magic, and what have you. It's nice to enjoy a book that wasn't influenced by Harry Potter and the many fantasy writers.
The series, in a way, reminds me of a Carl Bark's Uncle Scrooge adventure. It has the charm and style of something written 40 years ago. The art is reminiscent of the late great American artist, Basil Wolverton.
Since it is part-comic and part-book, it is a gateway book for young readers. I have given this series to several kids including my own and they loved the adventure.
It is a refreshing, far-fetched adventure that readers of all ages will enjoy.
Just as a recommendation, buy the hardback. It doesn't cost much more (unless it's out of print) and will be more durable over the years. But, factor in that after this first book, your young reader will be asking for the next two books.
My 4 Year Old Loves this book! 2007-09-11
We discovered this book today at the library and read it in one full swoop, and it is fantastic and sweet and exciting. The graphics added to his enjoyment enormously. He is just starting to read, but I read 98% of the book out loud with him in one hour and forty-five minutes, and we will read it again and again. This is a book we will actually purchase along with the new one (volume two). And we will wait anxiously for volume three to hurry up and arrive. We have already loved and read all of Capt Underpants and all of the Magic Tree House books. We are thrilled to discover this brilliant adventure.
Ask what Brown can do for you! 2007-02-12
Remember the scene in 12 Monkeys when Bruce Willis went up into the "real" world and took samples from what used to be modern day New York City - remember that the planet was seemingly taken over by animals, and that was the ultimate root of concern for our human existence? Do you remember? It was a wild concept that has only been briefly touched in a handful of other films, but finally, the envelope is opened in a cross-over graphic novel/young adult story that bends the mirror of existence while leaving you licking your lips for more. By mere chance I picked up this opening volume excited about the end of humankind, but also about flipping the page to both illustrations and story. This book reminded me of a cross between those "Illustrated Classics" and the most recent young adult story (which should sweep the nation), "The Inventions of Hugo Cabaret" by Brian Selznick. While it is not as developed as Selznick's work is, what makes this story work is the unique combination of graphic novel form and modern storytelling. It allows you to see the work, as well as read into the character's minds and emotions. As graphic novels become a stronger medium in our culture, I believe these books are going to become more common place, so open your eyes, and begin your journey with the small, yet vibrant, Thelonious Squirrel.
"The Fog Mound" does pull from common storybook clichés from the moment it opens, but still is successful with pulling the reader deep into the unknown. With our unknown heroine attempting to lay the foundation of the story by describing his excitement behind learning the legends of why humans no longer exist on planet Earth provides us with a creepy feeling of a post-apocalyptic world. What we would take for granted, our hero, Thelonious believes to be nothing more than honest "fairy tales". As he tries to convince others, a storm comes through which washes him to a neighboring town that was once a huge infrastructure of modern civility. Thelonious is lost, bewildered by the sights, scared beyond his wildest dreams, and nearly becomes a slave to the Lizard Queen, until he meets up with a fellow friend named Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a porcupine that welcomes Thelonious into his home, a warm bed, and some canned food. Thelonious is grateful, and begins to read some of the books in Fitzgerald's home out of sheer curiousness. He learns of a bear with a flying machine that may get him closer to being home. That bear is Olive, a native of the Fog Mound that is attempting to return home. The three decide to make the pilgrimage together, and with the clueing eye of Thelonious, they discover a map that will make them all happy.
Alas, disaster strikes, the map goes up in flames, and all these displaced mammals have to show for is the kindness from a peculiar stranger named Brown. Brown is a lizard that has just happened to show up at the most opportune times. With a destroyed human city behind them, the band of motley heroes continue their journey back home - which leads to some suspenseful surprises and a cliff-hanger that will keep you guessing in waiting until the author decides to release the next chapter. Arg - this is where a time machine would be helpful.
Through a stumbled mess I found this book and I couldn't be happier. It is very juvenile story with events happening with massive doses of coincidence and convenience, while the threat of actual danger seems to be candy coated more-so than in other stories of this nature, but this reader loved every turning page. For an adult, this story should only take about an hour to finish, but it is because the story consumes every part of you. I found myself turning the pages faster near the end as I attempted to put whatever pieces of the puzzle may be found. What makes this story stand out is the simplistic nature of both our heroines and their plight. It has the potential to evolve, a major struggle most books of this nature cannot seem to grasp, and it is a bleak story. Something has happened to the human race, and it hints towards several possibilities that are relevant in today's society, and without a direct answer it is frightening. The last couple of chapters will further confuse you on possibilities and theories, but it is that second-guessing that makes you enjoy this book from front to back.
Overall, I cannot give this book enough praise. While I can see where most of the pitfalls are for this story (i.e. the lack of depth surrounding our central story), for me it was more than just that. The cross between graphic novel and story was brilliant. The illustrations weren't gorgeous, but they did the job. In fact, I looked forward to the graphic novel elements the most because it helped solidify my thoughts of what was happening to our characters, as well as seeing their environment. I strongly suggest this book to parents that want to read to their kids, to those experimenting with the idea of "good" graphic novels, and to a wide range of children/young adults. This is a crossover series that I believe has the potential for greatness. I look forward to Thelonious, Fitzgerald, and Olive in their next adventure, oh, and also Brown!
Grade: ***** out of *****
ADULTS WILL LOVE IT TOO!! 2006-06-16
They say the book is for Ages: 8 - 12 and Grades: 3 - 7 . But when I spotted this book in the bookstore I immediately wanted to pick it up and read it for myself ! For one, the illustrations (especially the cover) were beautiful! It reminded of the retro children's books of my day (well Im 24) I think this book is colorful and adventurous and humorous for even adults to enjoy (especially if you're a child @ heart) and we all can learn something from these talking animals ! The cliffhanger at the end was nice .. I cant wait to read book 2 ! I didnt know this book just came out this month. So Im now a fan in anticipation ! lol
My boyfriend couldnt wait til finished the book to him so he went and got his own copy too lol.
Come follow follow follow follow follow follow me 
2006-05-28
In a world of talking animals, there is one burning question: Did humans ever exist? Thelonious Chipmunk believes he has proof that they did: a postcard showing a building made of concrete and glass. But his sister thinks the postcard's just a dumb piece of paper, and that humans are only make-believe.
Then one day a flash flood carries Thelonious away. When he comes to, he's in a strange world that looks something like his postcard, but not quite. Then he realizes that this is the city on his postcard, only crumbling and decaying. But if this means humans did exist, where did they go? Thelonious, along with some new friends, sets off to find out.
And thus, the adventure begins!
Imaginative, beautifully illustrated, excitingly told 2006-05-25
Thelonious is wonderfully illustrated with great care, detail and imagination. That, together with the humor, originality and pace of the story, which works well on both the cartoon pages and the text pages, has my nine-year old completely fascinated and captivated. A terrific encouragement to young readers. More of this please -- my child and I are eagerly awaiting the further volumes.
