The complete adventures of Figaro and Rumba by Anna Fienberg
Ill. by Stephen Michael King. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN
9781760292997
(Age: 6-8) Highly recommended. Author Anna Fienberg and illustrator
Stephen Michael King's The Complete Adventures of Figaro and
Rumba is a celebration of friendship, food, music and
adventure.
In the first story The Crocodile Cafe, we meet Figaro a
lively, happy-go-lucky dog who lives with his best friend Rumba the
cat, who misses his home in Cuba, and puts all his energy into a
cleaning their house. When the two friends finally catch the Very
Fast Train after a few wild adventures, they meet a Cuban
smooth-talking, conga-playing crocodile who owns a cafe. Along the
way the two friends learn some life-lessons about trust and rescue
some Cuban felines the wicked crocodile had catnapped.
Fortuitous circumstances occur and Figaro and Rumba take over the
ownership of the crocodile's cafe renaming it The Cool Cat Cafe.
Figaro finds the never-ending music rehearsals at the cafe difficult
especially when lead singer Marta continually points out his
difficulties joining in with the group. He chats to Ronaldo the
sloth who cleans the building and discusses the mysterious stranger
he sees and hears at night. One day, Figaro leaves the cafe behind
and heads off for a big adventure with little ginger cat Dora in
Martha's classic Catmobile. After a fabulous drive in the open top
car along the beach road, an unfortunate accident happens. Along the
way Figaro discovers a new musical talent, clears up the mystery of
the grey coloured stranger and enjoys the Fiesta filled with
singing, salsa and Cuban food at the Cool Cats Cafe. Stephen Michael
King's colourful, expressive illustrations bring the unique
characters to life, he vividly shows their expressions, emotions,
drams and triumphs.
This junior fiction novel is a great light-hearted story for young
readers beginning their chapter-book journey. Anna Fienberg's Figaro
and Rumba stories are perfect for this young audience, with
relatable characters, fun adventures and a celebration of music,
singing and dancing.
Rhyllis Bignell