The Zebra's Great Escape

LoveReading4Kids Says

Mink likes doing things fast and wild, and, like the creatures she’s named herself for, is also fiercely loyal and not afraid to bite.

When a lost little zebra comes looking for help, of course Mink volunteers and with the help of grouchy dog Rainbow and her new-found ability to understand what animals are saying, tracks down the missing zebra parents. They’ve been taken captive by the wicked Mr Spit, neatly completing his alphabetically organised wild animal collection.

Nasty as Spit is, he’s no match for Mink, especially when she’s backed up by furious animals with newly found fire inside them. (Mink’s dad thinks being asked for help gives us the chance to change the world, lighting up a fire inside us). With her plaits, her resourcefulness and courage, there’s definitely something of Pippi Longstocking about Mink, and the story moves as fast as she could wish for, driven by a sense of justice and of all the possibilities open to children.

Sara Ogilvie’s illustrations are gorgeous, full of energy one minute, tenderness the next.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About The Zebra's Great Escape

_______________A TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK**'The year's most magnificent adventure' - Guardian****'Fizzing with anarchic energy' - Daily Mail****'An intoxicating adventure' - Observer****'Utterly engaging' - Sunday Times**_______________Mink doesn't believe in rules. She loves running wild and free. So, when a zebra appears in the square where she lives and she finds out that his parents have been captured by the evil Mr Spit, she knows that it's up to her to help. So begins a grand adventure to rescue a whole menagerie of animals - an adventure that will take all of Mink's courage and determination. Written with generous helpings of warmth and humour, this is a timeless picture book about bravery, friendship and the importance of taking action. With stunning illustrations by award-winning illustrator Sara Ogilvie, illustrator of The Detective Dog, this modern classic from bestselling children's author Katherine Rundell is an unmissable treat.

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