A peacock’s kindheartedness and cleverness prove immune to cynicism. Undaunted by rain, peppy Plum is the only zoo inhabitant around when a bedraggled raccoon shows up. . . . Power makes the raccoons hungry for more, and their rudeness becomes bullying. But with help from Itch the ningbing, Jeremy the cat, and, naturally, Plum, ‘brains and heart’ eventually save the day. . . . Expert plot and character development take this latest in the series up a notch.” — Kirkus Reviews
“When Scratch, a bossy, greedy raccoon, and his gang invade the zoo . . . the subsequent chaos disrupts what had been a bucolic home. Plum and his friends—including a domestic cat named Jeremy, a ningbing named Itch, a family of chipmunks, and a bear who lives in the nearby woods—work together to solve the problem. . . . Plum accomplishes his goal by working with others; Scratch realizes that family can be made from those who care about you, even if they are not the same species; and all the zoo animals learn about leadership and problem-solving.” — Horn Book Magazine
“Plucky peacock Plum is back with another entertaining installment that has him facing his highest-stakes situation yet. . . . Plum is thrilled by an unexpected visit from a raccoon named Scratch. Though Plum hopes to make a new friend, it’s clear that the nefarious mammal means to take over the zoo. . . . It’s a delight to drop back into this wacky zoo world and become reacquainted with the comical cast of critters. . . . The brisk pace, witty wisecracks, and humorous illustrations easily retain attention, and Plum’s eternal optimism and perpetual enthusiasm are contagious.” — Booklist
