When Romy, the daughter of environmental primate specialist Dr Jeremy Alexander, accompanies her father on a trip to the Mukada Nature Reserve, she knows she's going to experience a formidable opportunity to discover why the local orangutans are acting strangely.
What she doesn't know is that an incredible series of events - and secrets - will reveal much more than bizarre monkey behaviour.
By the light of the moon, Romy is transformed by a strange and beautiful magic that takes her high into the rooftop of the forest where she learns all about the Curse of the Mukada - and at the same time, teaches the reader all about this beautiful, endangered primate.
Cleverly woven with delicious subplots that will engage young readers, Monkey Magic: The Curse of Mukada is also strewn with environmental references and information that are played upon in a subtle but vital way. I've always loved an engaging story that also teaches - parents, teachers and librarians will be similarly enthralled, for this very reason - but I'm also happy to say that kids won't become bogged down in a pot full of preaching in this book.
The messages are well done, the plot is well-crafted and the storyline is full of enough action, adventure, magic, baddies and goodies to make it a real page-turner. Children can also enjoy the second book in the series - Monkey Magic: The Great Wall mystery... also about monkeys!
Learn more on the Monkey Magic website
Title: Monkey Magic: The Curse of Mukada
Author/Illutrator: Grant S Clark
Publisher: Monsoon Books, $12.99 RRP
Publication Date: May 2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9789810810771
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Junior Fiction
This book can be bought online
