Saturday 6 August 2011

Saving Mississippi by Cornelia Funke, translated from German by Anthea Bell (8 years +)


2010, Chicken House
                                                                  198 pages, Paperback
Personal copy (won in a competition) 

Children's, 

Themes Holidays, animal mad people, animals, friendships, inheritance, village life, vet, taking risks to save others, robbery, blackmail, kidnapping, deceit, justice, lots of humour, mild peril

Summary from Chicken House

Emma loves to visit Grandma Dolly and her animal sanctuary in the summer holidays. At home, Emma isn’t even allowed a guinea pig. While staying with Dolly, Emma’s grandmother is asked to take in Mississippi, the beloved horse of her friend, wealthy Mr Clipperbush who has passed away.
Emma can’t believe her luck when Grandma then gives her Mississippi – a horse of her own. But suddenly, there’s trouble. Mr Clipperbush’s long-lost nephew wants the horse back – and will stop at nothing to get his way.  What can Emma do? Saving Mississippi means everything …

Nayuleska's reasons for loving Emma...her passion for animals runs in every cell of her body, she doesn't think much about the risks to herself when animals are involved, and she loves helping people.

Is there another character who deserves a mention? Emma's grandmother, Dolly, spoils Emma with love and by letting her help with the animals, as well as being little bit ditzy. 

How evil/nasty is the enemy? Anyone who even thinks that robbing someone, taking things which are precious to them, and blackmailing people is ok needs their head examined. 

Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Although I accurately guessed what the end would be, the path to it was filled with unexpectedly funny and dangerous events. 

One of my favourite parts was...when Emma's love of animals has her sleeping in the stable - people with passions for something tend to develop sweet habits which displays their passion to the world. 

I give this charming, heartwarming tale 10/10

Suggested readFor more animal adventures, try Magic Ponies, Pony Camp by .Sue Bentley




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