The zebra's great escape by Katherine Rundell. Illus. by Sara Ogilvie

The Zebra's Great Escape is a beautiful, long adventure story with outstanding full-colour illustrations. Separated into 3 parts, it's text heavy but ideal for reading over a few bedtime sessions or for independent readers who love a great illustrated story. The main character, Mink, seems to be a nod to Pippi Longstocking, complete with stiff plaits and one sock down and one pulled up to the knee. She doesn't believe in bedtimes and is wild, adventurous and determined. When a baby zebra approaches her and endows her with the ability to communicate with animals she quickly learns that the zebra needs her help. What follows is a warm and funny story told with irresistable charm and rich imagery. The evil villain (who has kidnapped the baby zebra's parents) is a Cruella DeVil type, complete with handlebar moustache and dark cloak, but Mink has the animal world on her side. Can they work together to save the day? 

Sarah Ogilvie's illustrations are wonderfully vivid, particularly her rendering of the wide array of animals that pass messages along to each other and highlight the power of communication and friendship. Rainbow the dog even says at one point, 'Your plan won't work, it relies on other people, and only fools rely on other people'. By the end of the story he is proven incorrect as people (or animal) power wins out in the end. This reminded me of What the Ladybird Heard, with the animals coming together as a team and with communication being a crucial factor in foiling the plans of the wrongdoers. It's an absolute joy to read. 

*Please note that sensitive children may find this story confronting as it does talk about Mr Spit collecting the animals with the intention to kill and then stuff them. He is also quite a scary character and calls Mink an 'idiot child'.

Themes: Adventure Stories, Friendship, Courage.

Nicole Nelson