In this action-packed adventure for young readers to enjoy, a group of rainforest animals escapes a series of dramatic perils by working together. Their journey sees them running from a spreading fire, through tests of leadership, then away from a dangerous storm at sea. When they reach their new home, the story ends with the reminder that success comes not through the power of any one individual, but from the friends we can trust.
Chameleon tends to be quiet and introspective, though is also the most direct when expressing. He gets angry when others don't try to work together and scared when new challenges appear midway. But his patience before acting and judgment of a situation make him invaluable to the group. He has a wide-eyed perspective on helping others work together, steps up to smartly delegate tasks to whichever friend can best perform them, and so his friends learn they can rely on his wisdom.
Toucan is the hero of the team, a clever tool user who shows wisdom towards making a plan for survival and always reminds the others of that purpose. He is helpful and appreciative of everyone, knows how to keep others on task while flying higher than anyone else can reach, and even if he can be a bit melodramatic when hope seems lost, his friends learn to rely on his unrelenting hope.
Blu is the group's newly formed butterfly. As such, she is a bit clumsy at moving, worried about taking risks, and very aware of her weakness and fragility. Her fear of getting hurt tends to have her believing in the worst outcomes, though by the end of the story she has learned to hold onto hope when all seems lost. She is also good at seeing the big picture or any small flaws in a project, is appreciative of the final results, and is thankful to have such strong and brave friends. When the others start to bicker, she prefers to continue working together, and so her friends learn they can rely on her kindness.
Howler is the often shouting monkey who tries to take over any task and do everything by himself. He tends to tell others what to do and is boastful of his prowess. Yet his loud voice can also bring forth powerful friends, and he is the first to raise alarm when danger first appears. He is well known for his strength and bravery, even among other monkeys, and his friends learn to rely on his courage.
Lastly, the group meets Inkaloo, the wisest octopus of the sea. Being unable to leave the water and help them but also not in danger from the story's threats, she takes on more of a mentor and guardian role. Her suggestion on how to escape gets them working together to build their raft, then she saves them when further disaster strikes at sea. Before reaching the next island, she reminds each of them of their strengths, and how they only survived by combining those gifts.
The lessons that young readers can take from this story will likely vary. Blu and Howler should be the easiest for kids to identify with, being extremely sensitive and brash types respectively. Parents shouldn't be surprised if kids use Blu's worrying to express their own fears, while Howler's shouting is both a clear negative when he tries to get his way and also a positive when he warns others of danger.
The other two main characters, Toucan and Chameleon, act as mature role models in how they approach the world. Toucan is outgoing, like a warm friend who always tries to make others feel better. Chameleon's patience and watchful introspection allow him to guide the group when they struggle to work together. Together they show that both extroverts and introverts have roles in helping others.
Another major theme of the story is leadership. Simply as the loudest, Howler tries to get everyone doing what he thinks is best, though none can deny his strength for their cause. Blu's catastrophic thinking would only panic until the end. Instead, Toucan speaks up to get them acting and Chameleon takes charge after pointing out Howler's flawed methods. The clear idea is that some people are fearful or try to lead by force of will alone, but good leaders must make plans and explain how everyone can best help.
The book's crisp colors and engaging art make for a beautiful read. Even with a short story over three sections, the plot has a few twists and turns along the way. Some children might be a little scared by the ominous “all hope is lost” situation and dialogue of the third act, but that's right before the final resolution that brings a happy end to this tale.
- The SOcialocca Team