Mango and Bambang: Tapir All At Sea by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy
| Mango and Bambang: Tapir All At Sea by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy | |
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| Category: Emerging Readers | |
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Reviewer: Anne Thompson
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| Summary: This delightfully quirky story of friendship told with humour and kindness combined with joyful illustrations is irresistible. It is perfect for children just developing reading stamina. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 144 | Date: March 2016 |
| Publisher: Walker Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1406361476 | |
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Mango is a sensible, resourceful little girl who is good at a great many things including playing the clarinet and karate. Most importantly she is good at being kind, especially to her best friend, Bambang, a slightly timid Malaysian tapir. In this second book in the series Bambang learns to become a little braver. He has to really, as he becomes involved in a series of daring escapades involving dancing classes, a diamond ring, time spent behind bars and a particularly dangerous enemy. Throughout all of this Bambang is accompanied by his faithful friend, Mango. Sometimes, even the closest friendship may be taken for granted. Will Bambang remember what matters most?
This stylishly packaged book full of warmth and wit is simply irresistible. It is made up of four short stories making this particularly suitable for the emerging reader who is just building up reading stamina. The writing style is wonderful as Polly Faber combines wit and a thoughtful kindness in the telling of these adventures. I particularly enjoyed her use of vocabulary. Can a tapir shimmy up a tree? Of course he can, especially if a ginger cake can be found in the lower branches! The joyful illustrations by Clara Vulliamy combine perfectly with the text bringing the characters to life. The very many expressions conveyed on Bambang's face are delightful. The detail in the illustrations will add to the appeal for children as there is so much to linger over.
There is a classic, slightly retro feel to this book that in my experience is appealing to children. The chunky hardback with the eye-catching cover combine to produce an inviting package. Although obviously targeted at readers of about 6 plus I have noticed that older children enjoy Mango and Bambang too. There is something very comforting about this traditional story of friendship. Although I am reluctant to give away key elements of the plot I did find myself with my fingers crossed for a happy ending in the last story of the four. Happily I need not have worried!
This is the sort of book that will help young children make the transition from newly confident reader to happy bookworm. As you can probably tell I loved this and I hope that you do too.
Thank you to the publishers for supplying this review copy.
Other illustrated fiction books that children of this age may enjoy include Claude in the City by Alex T Smith and Dixie O'Day in the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy For those who have gained more confidence in reading I would recommend Goth Girl: and the Ghost of a Mouse by Chris Riddell.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Mango and Bambang: Tapir All At Sea by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Mango and Bambang: Tapir All At Sea by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy at Amazon.com.
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