Lost World in the City

'Lost World in the City' is the third of three historical novels set in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Lost World (Wainoni Park) is actually a real place created by a real person (Professor Alexander William Bickerton). So we do get to learn some true facts while reading this novel. The Historical Notes at the back of the book are worth reading before you read the story.

The year is 1914, just before the start of World War One. The main characters - Sandy and Nell have recently moved into the area and met the 8 year old twins - Tommy and Billy. The twins say that the ghost of Professor Bickerton is sometimes seen at the park. Sandy and Nell are skeptical and although there is a 'No Trespassing' sign, they are keen to prove the twins wrong. The adventure begins!

There is some lovely language in the story...the simile - 'Only the pine trees, which shut us in, sigh and swoosh like the high-up sails of a ship at sea.' And personification - 'The park holds its breath.' A few interesting words to discuss - 'assiduous' (diligent and persevering), 'discombobulated' (to throw into confusion), 'caboodle' (a lot, bunch or group) and 'disconsolately', (sad beyond comfort).

There are references to past famous authors - Jules Verne and Arthur Conan Doyle which could add to the discussion if reading the book aloud. (The children in the story were avid readers.) This book would make an excellent 'read aloud' as there are so many topics relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand History curriculum - Christchurch earthquake, royal family, war and dinosaurs!

When I first saw this book, the cover didn't lure me in. However, the book has short chapters, a good sized font and nice cream/buff pages.