And there are new, interesting friends too. There is a subtle narrative about being influenced against your better judgement by fame and beauty, that most younger readers will find it easy to identify with.īen and Martine's maturing and more complex relationship as they worry about their transition to high school is also beautifully played out. It is an unblinking portrayal of the brutality and tragic absurdity of the trade in rhino horn.Īt the same time, fans of Martine's particular combination of charming, flawed, very human child super-hero, won't be disappointed. Her narrative on poaching is well researched and intelligent, and obviously comes from the perspective of a long-time wild-life campaigner who cares passionately about her subject. She shows rhinos to be not only highly sympathetic victims of man's greed, but also loveable creatures that are existing an terrifyingly small numbers by grace of a few honourable individuals in the face of almost over-whelming odds. It's an astounding feat of storytelling for children - a book that deals unflinchingly with rhino poaching, but is palatable for younger readers and a real page-turner.įirst and foremost, it is a love-letter to an ancient species on the brink. Lauren St John's wonderful "Operation Rhino" is the fifth book in "The White Giraffe" series - a welcome return for young conservationist heroes Martine and Ben.
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