If you’ve ever wanted to get your child interested in languages here is your chance. Brian Falkner presents us with a character who gains the ability to speak any language in the world, which makes the book friendly to the bilingual children of the modern world and all those children fascinated by the concept of the planet we live on.  Just from reading the blurb we know this book is going to be filled with excitement and adventure, things that kids thrive for in this day and age –

Maddy West can speak every language in the world. When she is asked to translate some ancient scrolls, Maddy is excited. But the scrolls hide many secrets. Secrets that send Maddy on a wild adventure with a stowaway ninja, a mysterious monkey, a Bulgarian wrestler and a fiendish witch. And soon Maddy finds herself in deadly peril. Does Maddy have what it takes to save herself and her new friends?

Falkner does not disappoint. Witches, spells, ninjas, invisible friends, spiders, secrets, codes and all the other elements children live for are combined in this book that takes place all over the world. For me it gains extra credit for its first chapter. The book begins in the doctors with Maddy’s mother taking her there after hearing her speak a foriegn language. The concept that Maddy needs to be ‘fixed’ draws parallels to many parents who aren’t as accepting of multiculturalism as we’d hope. However, the doctor (as an authority role in the mind of a child) explains that she is not broken and is thrilled with Maddy’s unique talent and encourages her even in it. This presentation of a child who is unique and talented, brought in by a parent who wants none of that, is encouraged by someone who children naturally have learnt to respect. This is the set up of a great adventure for a child to go on. 

The other element that makes this book magical is its illustrations. Donovan Bixley does a brilliant job in creating a visual representation of what Falkner is trying to portray. The images are scattered throughout the book but add a break in the reading for younger readers and presents a moment of visual inspiration to allow the child to visualize the adventures that they are caught up in. Having the illustrations in B&W also allows for an element of mystery and gives the child a feeling that maybe this book is a little bit more grown up after a childhood focused on colour – and as we know children love to feel as though they are growing up and being challenged when it comes to reading and learning.

Children from the 10-12 age group will love this one as well as maybe some younger 8/9 advanced readers or 13/14 year olds looking for an adventurous easy read. It was released yesterday and is available and is available online through Walker Books, or in book shops all around.

ISBN: 9781921977671
Imprint: WALKER BOOKS AUST
Release Date: October 1, 2012
Dimensions: 201 x 154mm, 256pp
Australian RRP: $19.95
New Zealand RRP: $22.99
Stock Level: In Stock