Sally Jones Rogan spent her childhood among the misty, Welsh mountains of Snowdonia and then traveled the world looking for adventure. With pencil and notebook in hand she has taken part in the Paris-Dakar Rally, sailed rough Atlantic seas, cruised on Concorde at Mach 2, zip-lined through Mexican jungles and once visited ancient Petra as a royal guest. She crosses off adventure 'to-do's' from her list as often as possible.
Sally currently has two novels with Alfred A. Knopf, the first of which was listed in New York Public Library’s, '100 Best Books for Reading and Sharing', earned a nomination for the Arizona State Reader’s Award and were both listed in the California Reader's Association 'California Collection'.
After years of globetrotting, she settled in California to write and share her love of adventure and children’s literature with her students at an Elementary School Library. She also currently serves as Co Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Los Angeles Region and was the recipient of the Sue Alexander Service and Encouragement Award in 2013.
School Library Journal (November 1, 2007)
Gr 3-6-Young fox Penhaligon Brush discovers that you must be careful what you wish for in this exciting novel. Brush, a polite and reliable pharmacist from the quiet town of Ramble-on-the-Water, receives an urgent note from his brother asking him to come to Porthleven immediately. Along the way he discovers that the evil cat Sir Derek has taken over the village and captured his brother. It is all part of a plan to steal the dowry of Crown Prince Tamar's betrothed as she sails in to meet the prince. Brush is an unlikely hero who teams up with a charming family of hedgehogs, some orphaned wolf cubs, Lady Ferball, and her companion, the feisty vixen Rowan. Together they hatch a brilliant plan to save the princess and release the village from Sir Derek's control. This story has something for everyone-mystery, daring escapes, and a touch of romance. With well-developed, believable characters and excellent pacing, it is difficult to put down. The romantic tension between Rowan and Brush is just enough for young readers looking for a love story. Themes of acceptance, chivalry, and resourcefulness give this tale an optimistic quality. Rogan's happy ending ties up all the loose ends in a satisfying manner. Slade's occasional black-and-white illustrations support readers as they envision the unusual characters.
"…short chapters, funny lines, and exciting plot twists make this a particularly effective read-aloud in the tradition of English novels that novels that feature animals of the countryside in human roles." Booklist (November 15, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 6))
"…Dashes of Brian Jacques and Arthurian legend combine to make this original tale humorous and suspenseful. Appealing, detailed drawings add a touch of warmth, adventure and fun. (Fiction. 8-12)" Kirkus Review (September 1, 2007)
"…The illustrations are whimsical. There is just enough extement; just enough puzzles to solve; and just enough cunning and trickery to keep the reader turning the pages to the end. It's a fantasy. It's an adventure. It's a love story. It's a deft revealer of human nature. It's a pleasure to read." Library Media Connection (November/December 2007)
"...Rogan, who grew up in Wales, adds suspense and humor to virtually every turn of the curlicue plot. Other developments include a love interest for Penhaligon in the form of a saucy vixen; a duel (after Derek's blade slashes the fox's clothing, the villain says, "You'll pay for your meddling," to which Penhaligon replies, "And you'll pay for this waistcoat") and, of course, numerous reversals of fortune. Slade's halftone art, sometimes presented in conventional one-page scenes but often laid out in dynamic interaction with the text, represent these robust characters theatrical costume and with plenty of personality." Ages 8-12. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. Publishers Weekly (September 24, 2007)
Grades 3-5. Restless in his comfortable home after the exciting events of The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush (2007), the gentlemanly fox longs for another adventure, but not at the expense of his adopted son’s life. When febra lupi (wolf fever) strikes his cub, Donald, Penhaligon sets out on a dangerous voyage get the necessary ingredients for the cure, and scary settings and narrow escapes abound. Short chapters and frequent pencil illustrations of the costumed animals add appeal, and enough background is given to make this sequel stand alone, although it will certainly prompt those who enjoy it to look for the first.
Kirkus Reviews (July 15, 2009) . This sequel to The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush (2007) starts slowly as the characters are introduced, but once Penhaligon sets sail with the unsavory Elgato to seek a cure, a rare herb growing on Howling Island, the story picks up speed and energy, building to an exciting finish. While Penhaligon deals with sea serpents, pirates and the mysterious island's denizens, Rowan struggles to keep the disease in check at home. Throughout, gentle messages about tolerance of difference and valuing diversity are inserted; even villains prove capable of reform. (Fantasy. 8-12) s
School Library Journal (November 1, 2009). Done in pen and ink, the attractive full-page and inset illustrations add detail and humor to the text. Readers of the first book and newcomers to the fox's adventures will be swept into this new chapter. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
