Hi everyone, I hope you’re enjoying the titles I’ve reviewed so far. Since the last few posts have taken you on journeys around most of the northern hemisphere, I thought we should navigate our way into a region south of the equator. The title this week is set somewhere in the past and our young heroes find themselves inside our planet’s largest rainforest…
Title: The explorer
Author: Katherine Rundell
Genre: Fiction – historical
Publication details: Bloomsbury; London, 2017
ISBN: 9781481419451
What this book is about: Fred has always dreamed of becoming an explorer, of reading his name among the lists of great adventures. As he flies over the Amazon jungle in a tiny aeroplane, he wishes he could land and look around him. When the plane crashes into the canopy, Fred is suddenly left without a choice. He and the three other children may be alive, but the jungle is vast, untamed place. With no hope of rescue, the chance of getting home feels terrifying small. Except, it seems, someone has been there before them…
My review: An exceptionally great read!! A story of survival in one of the most beautiful and dangerous places on our planet: the Amazon jungle. The description used transported me right into the thick of it all and kept me hypnotised. Our four characters, Fred, Con, Lila and young Max, are an eclectic group who have no choice but to band together and survive through their ordeal. Loved this story for many reasons. Firstly, it’s set in around the 1980’s when there wasn’t too much technology around. Secondly, we’re taken deep into the Amazon jungle where danger lurks around everywhere. Thirdly, because Rundell mentions Percy Fawcett, the explorer in the 1920’s who went missing searching for the famed City of Z. In this story, our heroes actually stumble upon a deserted ancient pyramid where they meet the adult ‘Explorer’ who helps them get home. Those scenes with him teaching them how to survive in the jungle are exquisitely described. Some really interesting characters along with clever dialogue and storyline. A good read for all ages who enjoy exploring and adventures!!
My rating: 4 ⭐
Additional notes: This title has won the Costa Book Award for Children’s Books in 2017 and nominated for the Leeds Book Awards for 9 to 11 in 2018.
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