Fans of E.B. White and Dick King-Smith will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of New York Times Bestseller Counting by 7s

Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it’s time for all of them—even little Appleblossom—to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family—and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers—who launch a hilarious rescue mission—and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they're about to find out!

With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial's point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making.

Gary A. Rosen is an accomplished film and television writer who loves music, popular culture and to draw. He also loves his family and possums. He is author Holly Goldberg Sloan's husband. His webpage is GaryRosenArtist.com

New York Times Book Review

Appleblossom is the smallest of Mama Possum’s babies. She may be little, but by the time she’s just a few months old she must be prepared to face, on her own, the great big world and the many dangers it holds for possums. Appleblossom is timid, but she’s also curious — and skeptical of Mama’s warnings, which is how she becomes interested in a small monster (a human girl) and falls down a chimney into the monster’s house. This is just the beginning of the wild and wholly engaging adventure on which Appleblossom unwittingly sends two of her brothers. It takes them from the safety of their neighborhood all the way to big-city night life. More important, it shines a spotlight on Mama’s teachings about the solitariness of possums.

In Holly Goldberg Sloan’s delightfully amusing imaginings of possum life, the reader learns that possums are, above all else, actors — and heavily steeped in the tradition. When they are still tiny, they begin learning the craft. Mama teaches her babies about ensemble companies versus solo acts, overcoming stage fright (“Fake it until you make it, possums”), and of course death scenes: Playing dead is singularly vital to possums. “Dead is the only way to stay alive,” Mama says.

As entertaining as Appleblossom’s early months are, she soon learns a tough lesson: Possums are solitary creatures. Mama grooms her youngsters to be independent — of her and of one another. Possum families do not stick together, no matter now much Appleblossom might wish otherwise. But Mama turns out to be a complex creature. When Appleblossom’s brothers search for Mama so that she can aid in the rescue of their sister, they not only discover Mama’s secret life, but find her championing the “tribe of possums.” Solitary though these unforgettable possums may be, they are not alone.