Perloo the Bold is a chapter book by the author Avi, published in 1998.
When Perloo, a quiet, bookish Montmer, is rousted from his burrow, he has no idea of the adventure about to befall him. Summoned by dying Granter Jolaine, the unwilling Perloo is proclaimed her replacement. But there are others who do want the Grantership. Can Perloo prevent a catastrophe?
This book contains examples of the following tropes:
- Abdicate the Throne: After everything has been dealt with, Perloo announces he's stepping down as Granter. He also institutes the first Montmer democracy, justifying Jolaine's belief that he would help the tribe achieve greater freedom.
- Antagonist in Mourning: Even the Felbarts are saddened when Perloo tells them Jolaine is dead. Granted, this may be because of the implications for them as well.
- Big Eater: Berwig loves food and is often seen eating during his scenes.
- Chekhov's Skill: Perloo is good at throwing snowballs, which winds up saving his life against Senyous.
- Combat by Champion: Near the end of the book, Perloo is forced into representing the Felbarts in single combat. Unfortunately, he has very little idea how to use a pike — and Senyous is the other combatant.
- Commonality Connection: Perloo discovers that the Montmers and the Felbarts (their enemies) both respect Mogwat the Magpie.
- Crocodile Tears: Berwig makes a big show of grief when he comes out to spread the false story that Perloo murdered Jolaine, ruffling his fur, messing with his smock strings, and, of course, trying to look as though he's been in tears.
- Evil Old Folks: Senyous may be old, but he's extremely dangerous. Early on, it's noted that he's a cunning person, but later we discover that he also has a secret and deadly talent for fighting with a pike.
- Glad I Thought of It: Gumpel suggests that Berwig put Senyous at the head of the army, which Berwig accepts with a "how clever of me to think of that."
- Heroic BSoD: Lucabara, Jolaine's personal assistant, is so shaken by her death that she stands frozen in the room staring at her body even though the villains are attempting to break the door in. Perloo has to drag her away.
- History Repeats: While incarcerated and trying to figure out why Jolaine's son Berwig had him imprisoned, Perloo thinks over their conversation and what he knows about Montmer history and realizes that Berwig is afraid Jolaine will appoint someone other than him as Granter. Perloo fails to realize it's him, though.
- Humble Hero: Perloo does not think he is good enough to be granter. Jolaine herself describes him as "learned yet modest."
- I Gave My Word: Perloo promises Weyanto, the Felbart chief, that he will not try to escape, but eventually Lucabara wears him down. However, when they actually escape (unexpectedly attacking Weyanto in the process), Perloo says he can't go. He tells Lucabara to go handle things with the Montmers while he tries to salvage relations with the Felbarts.
- Man Bites Man: When Jolaine is attempting to sign her final proclamation, the villains attempt to break the door in. At one point, one of their paws breaks through the door and begins groping for the handle. Perloo, unsure of what how else he can respond, bites it, forcing said villain to pull back his paw.
- Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Any guy called "Senyous the Sly" is someone you want to take care with.
- Never Say "Die": Played With. Euphemisms like "I am going" are used, but largely the characters call death what it is.
- The Pig-Pen: Gumpel. She's described as extremely messy and smelly.
- Prestige Peril: Berwig and Senyous set their sights on discrediting and killing Perloo once the dying Jolaine proclaims him Granter. The whole plot results from the position Perloo has received, completely against his will.
- Reluctant Ruler: Perloo doesn't have any idea what's about to happen when Jolaine summons him and takes the Grantership only under pressure from her and Lucabara, to the point where Jolaine dubs him "Perloo the Unwilling." He tries to run away from the job after she dies and he fails only because Berwig's hunt for him will not allow him to go back to his normal life. As soon as possible, he abdicates the position.
- The Starscream: Senyous helps Berwig get into power with the idea of getting rid of him and seizing the Grantership.
- Stealth Insult: At one point, Berwig demands if Senyous thinks he's a "complete idiot." Senyous replies, "Not a complete idiot. No, not complete."
- Strange Salute: The Montmers, who resemble rabbits, salute their leaders by pulling one of their own ears.
- Universally Beloved Leader: Just about everyone loves the old Granter, Jolaine. Even the cooks are concerned about her and take it personally when (falsely) informed that Perloo murdered her.
