Kip of the Karoo by Emma Goulay

Kip of the Karoo is the sequel novel to Kip of the mountain written by Emma Gourlay. Gourlay is currently working on a prequel to this duology. Gourlay, like the main character Kip, grew up with a black dad and a white mum and a buffel in her head. In Afrikaans, "Buffel" is the word for special, rare creature.

Kip of the Karoo is set in the Karoo which is a semi-desert natural region of South Africa. It is an area defined by its topography (mountains and plains), geology and climate especially its low rainfall, arid air, cloudless skies and extremes of temperature. Into this area, Kip and her friends venture in pursuit of treasure as suggested by an ancient map that they found in a cookie jar. They run into danger in the form of killer leopards, greedy King Double, cowboy ghosts and Hollywood film crew people who are perhaps not trustworthy. 

The unusual setting may be of interest to young readers. The characters are somewhat developed. The plot is indeed action-packed and "wildly imaginative" as suggested by Jaclyn Moriarty. However, it is so full of rapid-fire action and constant intensity that the reader becomes fatigued and uncertain about whether there will be a plot climax. This constancy of action and excitement level is at the expense of a satisfying and engaging rising tension which is needed to really hold a young reader's attention.

The tone of the novel is as Jack Heath says -"full of charm". There is a warm-heartedness to this novel. The delightful black and white illustrations by Kate Moon are interspersed throughout the novel. The cover design is by Hazel Lam and adapted by Maya Abraham who are both artists of Harper Collins Design studio.

Themes: Facing fears, Friendship.

Wendy Jeffrey