Peter Stephenson continues to chronicle the adventures of the Cook Family and their little Jack Russell Terrier, Kim, as they travel the globe during the school holidays. The second book sees the family on route through Hong Kong and spending their holiday in India.
Once again this book would appeal to young people in the 8 – 12 age group or those struggling with their reading ability. For those younger readers it may be necessary to explain that trotters are, in fact, pig, not dog feet as this term is used incorrectly several times in the first half of the book.
As with Punch Up in Punjab! (book 1 in the series) information of cultural and historical interest are interlaced throughout the story’s events. This book does not have the intricacies of plot as the introductory story did, but is a fine follow up or can easily be read as a stand-alone book rather than part of a series.
Stephenson has written this story, for the most part, along a two-view format; one of the kidnapped and circus characters and the other of the family in search of Kim and her companion. It has elements of Gypsy mythology and some prejudices against carnival or circus folk are alluded to. The experiences of both sets of characters develop showing the community through which they travel and the need to work as a cohesive group for the wellbeing of all.
The strong underlying messages of acceptance, tolerance and friendship resonate through this story of kidnap and travelling circus antics. As the story unfolds we learn the names of several places that would be good to have on a visiting list when in India, and we are exposed to aspects of both the affluent and poor lifestyles which co-exist in the streets of what is described as a beautiful country.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
Rating out of 10: 6
Kim’s Adventure Travels Book 2: Rumble in Rajasthan! is out now in paperback and eBook, available through Amazon.
- Read our review of Kim’s Adventure Travels Book 1: Punch-up in the Punjab!
- Kim’s Adventure Travels website
- Kim’s Adventure Travels on Facebook
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