Madagascar Misadventure
This captivating story follows brothers Alex and James, whose lives are anything but ordinary. Growing up with parents whose adventurous work exposes them to snakes, lemurs, and the challenges of camping in remote, unforgiving locations, the siblings navigate relentless obstacles shaped by weather and isolation. Yet, at their core, Alex and James long for the same things every child desires: the love and safety of their parents and a place to call home. The vivid narration transports readers straight to Madagascar, where the sounds of wildlife and rich descriptions of the terrain bring the story to life. Highly recommend this immersive and heartfelt read!
audible listener
Chasing the Tiger
The second book in the series is a fun work of fiction layered upon a factual description of an exotic life in the Himalayan nation of Nepal, written by an author in residence there. The latest tale is a fast-paced and exciting adventure where the main characters encounter the local wild-life and cultures, with lovely line drawings of the animals interspersed in the text as amusing and interesting bonus material. Though aimed primarily at readers in the 8- to 12-year old age range, this book will bring pleasure to all who open it.
Himalayan Heist
This is an engaging and fast-paced drama which will appeal to adventurous older children/early teens. After surviving a plane crash in the high mountains of the Himalayas, Alex and James, along with their feisty friend Bim go in search of help. They find themselves fighting for their own survival and their fate becomes linked with that of the Snow Leopard, apex predator in the icy region, whose survival is also threatened by wildlife traffickers. A gripping and entertaining story unfolds, full of humour and suspense. And this being a book by an ecologist who also practised as a doctor in Nepal for many years, it's humming with a deep knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of the Himalayas, and the Nepali people and their culture.
CR
Himalayan Kidnap
... a compelling political and ecological wildlife adventure in the Himalayan mountains. Recalling Kipling’s Jungle Book,
Wilson-Howarth’s attention to cultural and zoological detail provocatively weaves a riveting collision of civilizations, avalanches, and river boat escapes as two brothers search for their kidnapped parents by ruthless Maoist terrorists.
From goats getting sick from eating plastic bags (“Now everyone uses plastic, and its not good for the goats,”), to life and death underwater struggles with crocodiles, this harrowing adventure left my husband and me on the edge of our seats. Himalayan Kidnap is a nuanced tale with sensitively imagined characters.
Although intended for kids 8-12, it’s an exciting read for adults. Can’t wait for the continuing adventures of Alex
and James!
Micaela Amateau Amato