Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace is a delightful story for 6-10 year olds. There is just enough scariness that children love but all works out in the end with an amusing twist.
The story is set in the Malaysian
tropical forests and begins with Naknek Tata preparing breakfast for her
husband Nenek Jantan (Nenek means grandparent). After farewelling him as he
goes off on his bicycle to buy sugar, she sets about doing her daily chores
feeding the animals, collecting water, and collecting the crabs from the pots in
the mangrove swamp.
While she is at the swamp a monsoonal
storm with heavy rain, thunder and lightning suddenly begin. Then a huge
frightening monster emerges from the swamp dripping mud and begins following
her. She rushes home and prepares to defend her home from the beast.
As the rain pours down on the monster the
mud is washed away revealing it is just her husband who has fallen in the swamp
when he crashed his bicycle.
The language used is an understandable
level for the age group. Malaysian words used in the story are explained in the
glossary at the end of the book.
It is told in the style of traditional hantu
stories (ghost stories) told to children by grandparents. They are designed to
both entertain and keep the children safe from the dangers of the swamps and
jungles.
This delightful story is illustrated
perfectly with large vivid pictures. They clearly depict the home and
surroundings. The animal pictures are so much fun even if not directly part of
the story. Don’t miss checking the expressions on their faces.
I hope this book will be part of a series
introducing children to many cultures
At the back there is a glossary of
Malayan words used in the story. I think these should be at the front for
people like me who just jump in and start reading.
Overall, it is a great story with
wonderful illustrations and many openings for discussion with children.
My thanks to NetGalley. Judith Vun Price,
Jacqui Vun [Illustrator], and Logorythm/Crotchet Quaver for providing this ARC
in exchange for an honest review.
My
rating 5*
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