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Operation Rhino by Lauren St John

Mar3

Kindness & Care

Operation Rhino by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary children’s novel. It is the sixth book in The White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character progression and timeline continuity. The books are suitable for the over eights. Whatever your age, this series will entertain.

Each book has highlighted an endangered species. As you can tell from the title, it is the turn of the Rhino. They have been hunted to near extinction by grasping, greedy and ill-informed poachers who want the rhino horn.

We join eleven-year-olds Martine and Ben once more, as they help to rescue several rhinos.

Martine meets her favourite band and is briefly starstruck, leading to a lapse in judgment which haunts her. The result is a very guilty conscience and her special gift is hidden. She needs to release the guilt and believe in herself again.

We see the bonds formed between different animal species. “Animals don’t see difference as a negative thing. All they care about is kindness.” Watching a baby rhino bond with an energetic billy goat is priceless.

The reader is treated to the beauty of the African landscape, which contrasts with the potential danger. “The game reserve can be a deadly dangerous place. It’s also the most beautiful place on earth.”

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The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi (illustrated by Lekshmi Bose)

Feb27

Educating & Entertaining

The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi (illustrated by Lekshmi Bose) is the sixth book in The Incredible Adventures Of Casper The Cat Who Got Lost In Africa. It is a most delightful children’s novel that I absolutely loved. It is perfect for ages four to eight. In fact, whatever your age. This is a charming book if you like animals.

I adore cats. Casper, the hero of the tale, is a very cute little cat. He is a kind cat who likes to help, and a nosy cat who likes to ask questions.

In this book, Casper encounters several animals including a dung beetle, ostriches, a giant tortoise and a warthog – all of who are friendly. And he meets poisonous centipedes and a leopard who aren’t.

The animals all help each other to defeat danger and to find home.

There are lessons to be learnt – you are never too old for a hug, and we are stronger together.

The whole book is beautifully illustrated. The drawings are very appealing, especially Casper with his big, beautiful eyes.

Every story has a moral. We learn “brains come in all shapes, and bravery doesn’t always look like a battle cry. Sometimes choice is to stand your ground when every part of you wants to run.”

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Five Go Adventuring Again by Enid Blyton

Feb19

Thrilling

Five Go Adventuring Again by Enid Blyton is another thrilling children’s book that is just perfect for the over tens. It is the second book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Generations of children have grown up with the Famous Five books – and I am thoroughly enjoying re-visiting my childhood by getting lost within the pages of a book.

The Famous Five does not disappoint and is as entertaining now as it was when I first read the books in the early 1970’s.

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The Elephant’s Tale by Lauren St John

Feb15

Educating, Enthralling & Entertaining

The Elephant’s Tale by Lauren St John is an entertaining children’s novel, just perfect for the over tens. It is the fifth book in the White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order as each one starts where the previous one ended.

Each book focuses on a different animal. As the title suggests, it is the turn of the elephants. We are educated about the characteristics of elephants. They are loyal and caring. Being in any sort of captivity is detrimental to their health.

The reader learns about the damage that global warming is doing. We should all be looking after our planet and animals.

Eleven-year-olds Martine and Ben have grown in stature since the series began. A year has passed at the animal sanctuary, Sawubona. Physically both main characters have filled out, and mentally they are wise beyond their years.

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