Chasing the Tiger
In this second of the Alex and James adventures the story begins with the boys and their parents imprisoned by Maoists in Nepal, in filthy conditions. As they are being moved to a remote hideout, the boys escape and, with their friend Bim, they try to follow their parents, hoping to free them. This is a journey fraught with danger not only from the angry Maoists but also from wild animals and hostile conditions. Wonderfully accurate black and while illustrations by Betty Levene bring the story (and the animals) to life for the reader.
Madagascar Misadventure
A great tale for teenagers, already available to read on kindle (see reviews on Amazon). The audiobook is engagingly narrated by the author and augmented with atmospheric sounds of local birds.
Dhankutawallah
Himalayan Kidnap
A combination of Hardy Boys adventures and Rudyard Kipling’s mysterious, jungle-inhabited prose, this Himalayan adventure had me on edge of my seat! I couldn’t put the book down.
Jane Wilson-Howarth’s rich descriptions draw you in and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as you journey with two young boys in search of their kidnapped parents in the Nepalese jungle.
Wilson-Howarth’s clever prose and skillful descriptions of the ecology of Nepal in this book deserve worldwide recognition. I learned so much about the creatures of the Himalayan terrain as well as the villagers and the culture of the region - and I was left wanting even more at the end.
Fortunately, a sequel is already available called Chasing the Tiger :-) ... the next book on my spring reading list. This series is destined to be a classic and fully deserves five spectacular stars!
Heather Herzog, children's author
Himalayan Hostages
Surfing a narrative as swift and treacherous as a Himalayan river, Alex and his brother James pursue their kidnapped parents into the jungles of southwest Nepal, bonding over very many very lucky escapes and a good dose of samosas, milky tea and practical jokes. An enjoyable, educational read for all ages, this beautifully illustrated eco-adventure is an authentic contemporary portrayal of and call to action for a country beset by ecological and moral challenges.
Rabi Thapa