There’s a feel of traditional stories to this tale of Toad and his friend Old Camel and their adventures on the banks of Croco Lake, but a contemporary sensibility too; for example, one of their friends, a young boy called Paul, has become selectively mute after the shock of losing his father, and the animals, together with a young African doctor, need to use their kindness, patience and understanding to help him. It’s just one of the plot lines in this lively African set story and there’s lots to appeal to young readers, including a dramatic but ultimately funny encounter with some hungry crocodiles. ~Andrea Reece
There is a problem at Croco Lake. The exit channel to the river is blocked by a landslide and it only needs more heavy rain for the whole of the surrounding area to be flooded, including the local village. Dynamiting the blockage may endanger the lives of many creatures. Toad however has a plan but can all the creatures be saved? And will they be in time? A second book in this delightful series set in Africa in the 1930s.
A funny and moving story suitable for young and old alike.
Ken Metcalfe was born in Audenshaw, Manchester. Marrying in 1968, he worked all his life in the family engineering business (Droylsden). Taking early retirement he moved to Cornwall in 2000 where he now enjoys telling stories to his grandchildren and playing the occasional round of golf.
