The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli

He needs a job.  His bike was stolen, his Mom can't pay the bills so she can't buy him a new one.  He is NOT going to ride the old pink single speed bike from the back of the garage.  So his only choice is to earn enough money to buy another bike.  When he sees an ad for help on a farm and taking care of animals, he thinks he's found the perfect spot.  He has, but not for the reason he thinks...

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published February 9th.

When George applies for the job, he notices that some of the animals are a bit odd.  After all, the lady's chicken (who is actually a dodo) tries to peck his hand off when he reaches into the nest.  But money is money and he'll work for it.

It seems each visit he finds some other odd beast wandering around the farm.  When the owner gets bit by one of the beasts, he realizes that they can really be dangerous.  He also realizes that these beasts haven't been present in the world for a long time.  She has created a sanctuary for animals that were thought to be extinct.

He was doing okay until a young school girl joins him on the farm.  He doesn't want her there, but she notices the unicorn and gets along with the dragon, so what's he to do?

The biggest problem is the girl's stepmother.  She wants to win a taxidermist contest and needs some unique being to stuff so she will qualify.  She'll do anything to get it.  She's not a nice lady, as you can guess.

They have a final showdown at the farm and it's quite the battle with all the unusual animals.  I liked the ending.  It was just what everyone deserved.  This is a fun little read for anyone with imagination.  (I have a lot.)