The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow

Butternut and the meadow creatures return in this middle-grade adventure sequel that will charm animal-loving fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Clarice the Brave.

Now in paperback! Perfect for 8-11-year-olds desiring themes of bravery, friendship, community, and trust—plus it's a great read-aloud! Illustrated by Caldecott winner Doug Salati.

After their remarkable rescue, the meadow creatures are back—now closer than ever and with beloved rabbit Butternut still captivating them all with her storytelling.

But when a dazzling group of traveling turkeys shows up and persuades the meadow creatures to join them in putting on performance, Butternut is not sure she can find her place in all the excitement. She questions her storytelling abilities compared to this new crew.

When it turns out the turkeys—and the grand show—are not what they seem, Butternut's family and friends are suddenly in imminent danger. Butternut must figure out how to trust herself and find help. In the end, the hope is that friendship will win once more.

Beautiful and arresting black-and-white illustrations bring the animals to life in this nail-biting and heartwarming story about trust: trusting our instincts, trusting our creative talents, and trusting those who know and love us, even when it’s hard.

“Treasured classics designed to be read aloud and shared.”
—Caroline Carlson, author of Wicked Marigold