Neeka and the missing key by Tina Strachan

Neeka and the Missing Key, by Tina Strachan is an engaging and heart-warming first instalment in the Wilder Zoo series. Perfect for readers who love animals, adventure and a touch of fun and mystery.

Neeka is an energetic and passionate eleven-year-old animal lover and wildlife conservationist who lives at Wilder Zoo, an amazing place filled with fascinating creatures and endless excitement. She loves helping out at the zoo whenever she can, even before school, and she also creates educational videos with her best friends, Rumi and Hudson.

When their video is nominated for an award, with an enticing prize of new camera equipment, Neeka is eager to film another standout clip to get the judges attention. However, finding the perfect idea proves more difficult than expected. Enter Rebel, the mischievous red panda, who quickly becomes both her inspiration and her biggest challenge. Neeka hopes to train him for a new video, but Rebel’s playful nature makes it anything but easy.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Neeka loses her zoo key; a crucial item that grants her access to the animals and something she has been entrusted with to prove her responsibility within the zoo. This loss sends her into a frantic search, as she doesn’t want to lose her zoo privileges. Desperate to find it, Neeka is faced with important questions: How far is she willing to go? What does responsibility really mean? And what is the best action to take when faced with a problem?

Strachan crafts a compelling story that blends adventure, humour and emotion. Interspersed with some cute illustrations by Max Hamilton, Neeka is a relatable protagonist, full of determination, curiosity and the occasional bout of impatience. With elements of strong friendships, a lively zoo setting and Rebel’s amusing antics, this novel is sure to entertain, and provide valuable life lessons with the underlying themes of responsibility and perseverance.

Perfect for animal lovers and young conservationists, Neeka and the Missing Key is a delightful and inspiring read that will leave readers eager for the next adventure in the Wilder Zoo series.

Themes: Animals, Conservation, Veterinarian, Zoo, Animal behaviour, Responsibilities, Problem solving, Friendship.

Michelle O'Connell