Chasing the Tiger
This book, not like many others, it starts by plunging you into an adventure, where you are instantly gripped. I really loved this book and read it in an afternoon. It is not the children being kidnapped, but the adults. The children set off on a long fun, challenging adventure encountering lots of different animals with beautiful descriptions and illustrations. You feel as if you could walk up to them and greet them with their full name. The different personalities of the children really bring the story alive. There are two boys, the younger one thinks mainly of food and the older one tries to be clever but fails desperately over time because the girl out smarts his thinking with her knowledge of Nepali culture. I think everyone would enjoy this book, even if you don’t have a particular interest in different animals. By the end, you will have a knowledge of more than just foxes and badgers.
Toma, aged 12
Madagascar Misadventure
A great tale for teenagers, as the intrepid duo of Alex and James follow their chaotic and negligent parents from the Himalayas to the remoter corners of Madagascar. The quest for lemurs quickly turns into a struggle against corruption, evilness and exploitation of nature. With the help of a feisty local friend they defeat the forces of darkness; they are reunited with their parents and are able to enjoy the wonders of the forest, caves and scenery of Ankarana, and the charm of the Malagasy people. All the charismatic local fauna feature in the story, and many are beautifully illustrated with photographs or line drawings
Snowfed Waters
Snowfed Waters is cleverly written from the different perspectives of the main characters. This really adds depth to their lives, cultures, personalities and contrasting outlooks. I was drawn into the book with its easy style, creative description, intriguing plot, warm characters and frequent amusing moments. I read the book whilst trekking in Nepal and it gave me a wonderful feeling about the country's people through their eyes. It is a delightful read. I was always keen to pick it up with anticipation, as Sonia and her Nepalese hosts' lives draw together and the story takes you on an adventure with unexpected mishaps, joys and shocks.
Doug Colton