Shumba's Big Adventure by Lauren St John & Lorna Hussey (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10E)

 July 2013, Orion, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: mischievous lion cub, disobeying orders from parents, consequences of doing something you shouldn't, kidnap, being away from your family without a choice, finding a true friend, being on display at a zoo, living in a different climate, unexpectedly good outcome,

Content: mild peril, tissues needed

Summary from Orion

 Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.

Shumba is the naughtiest lion cub in the whole of Africa. When he sneaks off one night to go exploring, he finds himself on a boat going all the way to England with gorillas, snakes, monkeys, zebras and parrots. And that's just the start of his adventure!

Nayuleska's thoughts

Shumba is a cheeky lion cub so it's not surprising when he wanders where he shouldn't and gets taken. I cried because this happens in real life and many animals don't get the idyllic happy ending which Shumba dies. I also cried at the end because the final picture is so sweet - like the other pictures it captures the active spirit of Shumba and the love he and his family have for each other. It is commendable that Lauren donates all royalties from this book to the Born Free animal rescue organisation.

You can find out more on Lauren's website

Suggested read

Another creature who finds himself taken and has a happy ending is The Lemur's Tale by Ophelia Redpath (Children's, Picture book, 10/10)