The Underneath, by Kathi Appelt

Storm, Tree, Snake & Alligator

This story starts with a momma cat that is abandoned on the side of the road and left to fend for herself. She hears the sad song of a hound tied to the porch of an old house and takes refuge there. As long as they stay ‘underneath’ they are safe from the owner. Otherwise, he is a cruel runaway that hunts the old alligator by night and sleeps by day.

A thousand years ago, there was a storm, a tree, a snake and the alligator. The storm split the old tree and here is a story of its own. The snake at one time fell in love with another creature and they both were changed into humans to pursue this love. She was betrayed and went back to her snake form a bitter soul. Her daughter made the same mistake and she too was turned back into a snake. Once you go back to the animal form you can’t be a human again.

A thousand years later (present), another storm, same tree, snake and alligator. This storm loosens a pottery jar that the old snake has waited all these years to escape to get her revenge. The tree has other secrets and refuge to offer.

The Underneath is a sad tale that weaves back and forth between years and comes together to an unusual ending. The man in this story is an adult runaway that drinks too much, trading pelts for drinks. Reading this book taught me that not all children’s books have happy endings. That in itself is sad.

Reviewed by Deborah Kelley, Batesville Public Library

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