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Reviewed by Georgia, Teacher, Otatara School, Southland
Opening sentence
Sophie stood in remote Greenland, impatiently waiting for Joey to arrive.
'Copper Calamities' is an imaginative adventure that follows twin siblings Sophie and Joey as they travel through different elemental worlds filled with unique challenges. In this instalment, the twins are summoned by Queen Gold, who gives them an urgent mission: rescue a young Hydrogen who has been captured by the mischievous and dangerous Coppers. What begins as a straightforward quest quickly becomes chaotic when Sophie and Joey are captured themselves. Their determination, teamwork, and quick thinking help them escape, complete their mission, and safely return the young Hydrogen home.

One of the strengths of the book is the clever way scientific knowledge is woven into the narrative. The authors use each element’s real-world properties to shape character behaviours and world-building—for example, the young Hydrogens who love to “explode” for fun, or Queen Gold melting into shimmering puddles as part of her performances. These creative touches make the science memorable and entertaining.

The story is packed with scientific vocabulary, presented in a way that feels natural and engaging for young readers. The additional factual section at the end of the book is a fantastic extension, giving readers more opportunities to learn about the elements. 'Copper Calamities' is a fun, educational, and fast-paced read perfect for children who love science and adventure.
Publisher: Duckling Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-06704600-2
Format: Paperback
Publication: 2025
Ages: Aged 7+
Themes: Fantasy, adventure, science, educational