Kingdom of Blong (Elastic Island Adventures #5)

I definitely judged this book by its cover and expected an unexciting novel of very little substance. When I came across a typo error on page 16 my expectations were reduced even further. However, this was the only error I noticed throughout the book (ed’s note – the publisher is correcting this in current reprints) and about a third of the way through I realised I was not reading purely to critically review, but was thoroughly enjoying the story and wanted to see what would unfold next.

As I reached for my dictionary I acknowledged that this certainly wasn't the easy-read I anticipated. Is 'bumfuzzle' actually a real word? And what about 'cattywampus' and 'bumbershoot'? I also learned that the name for a cluster of cats is a clowder. That's not to say that this is a difficult book to read, it is certainly not! It has a fabulous balance of everyday words, with some sophisticated vocabulary (such as imperative, perplexed, dejectedly and procrastinating) sprinkled throughout to hold the interest of those who are genuinely fascinated by language.

The action and adventure will appeal to many readers, and cat-lovers will enjoy it immensely. For those who like a little fantasy, there are cats who can moonwalk, talk, sing and perform gymnastic moves. Cats aren't the only animals to feature or have fun and the children experience plenty of action too.

Although this is the fifth book in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I just hope that avid readers get to read it before the feature films come out so that they can visualise the characters and action as they wish to.

Title: Kingdom of Blong (Elastic Island Adventures #5)

Author: KarenMcMillan

Publisher: Duckling Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-473-561833

RRP: $19.99

Format: paperback

Publication: July 2021

Ages: 8-12 year olds

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? None

Reviewer: Nadine Molloy, Assistant Librarian, Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening sentence: Emma was usually a little nervous stepping onto Elastic Island. It was a risky way to travel at the best of times, with the wind flying in your hair as you hung desperately on to a palm tree.

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