Billy Stuart in the Minotaur’s Lair

Billy and his friends, the Zintrepids, find themselves transported to another time while exploring a mysterious cave. The Zintrepids are a scout troop consisting of: Billy Stuart (the young raccoon), Foxy (the fox), Musky (the skunk), Yeti (the weasel), Shifty (the chameleon) and FrouFrou (the dog). While searching for Billy’s grandfather Virgil, the troop travelled through time and ended up in a new world. The only clue they have to Virgil’s current location is in his notebook, “Get yourself to the heart of the city’s maze. You will find there the clue for the next part of your journey.” (p. 11)

At first, the landscape looks like it could be any time period – Ancient Times, the Middle Ages or even the Future. However, once the Zintrepids are imprisoned by a group of armed soldiers, they realize that they are in Ancient Greece. The troop boards a ship on the way to the island of Crete. The ruler, King Minos, sends them into the labyrinth (or maze) to satisfy the Minotaur. This terrifying monster is half man and half bull. People are sent in to appease his hunger and his temper, but no one ever returns from the maze. The Zintrepids have only one hope - to stay together in order to find Virgil’s clue at the center of the labyrinth. Can they survive?

Billy Stuart in the Minotaur’s Lair is the second book in Alain M. Bergeron’s “Billy Stuart” series, the first being Billy Stuart and the Zintrepids (www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol24/no41/billystuart.html). Beginning in 1996, Bergeron collaborated with Quebecois artist Sampar to create the “Billy Stuart” series. This new edition from Orca was translated from the original French by Sophie B. Watson. This time, the brave young explorers discover that they are dealing with the mythological creature called the Minotaur. Who knew that he was actually alive in Ancient Crete? Readers will learn about life in Ancient Greece as well as the myth of the Minotaur.

Several of the Zintrepids play key roles in keeping the scout troop alive. FrouFrou helps the troop navigate the complicated labyrinth by peeing on the ground to mark where they have already been. Foxy consults her compass to get their position. Yeti threatens to physically attack the Minotaur, and Shifty uses Billy Stuart’s red kilt to distract the Minotaur. They truly are acting as a team to survive a very dangerous situation.

The story is told as a combination of traditional and graphic novel formats. There are highlighted words in various colours to catch the attention of the reader as well as cartoon-like panels to further the storyline. Most of the characters are animals, but they act in a very human way. They are brave, daring and sometimes even foolish. Their animated faces show how they are feeling in dangerous situations. Before the novel even begins, Bergeron adds an, “Author’s note/A little clarification,” explaining that he will be commenting on the action to clarify or to add personal commentary throughout the text. There is also a very useful recap of the action in the first book in this series. Other interesting features include quizzes and word puzzles for the reader to solve. These relate to the action of the story.

Billy Stuart and the Zintrepids experience an exciting adventure populated with mythical figures, ferocious monsters and perilous situations. The characters experience life in Ancient Crete and learn a great deal about mythology, teamwork, courage and empathy for one another. Although Billy Stuart in the Minotaur’s Lair could be read independently by confident young readers, it could also be read aloud. Discussion topics could include: time travel, teamwork, mythology and survival. Readers will definitely look forward to more books in this series.