What’s the book about?
Eleven-year-old Neeka Wilder has always loved animals and is lucky enough to live at Wilder Zoo, where her mum is head vet.
The deadline for the school reading challenge is only a few days away and Neeka has a lot of reading to do.
Then a wild storm hits. Emergency evacuation plans are put in place and even Neeka’s bedroom turns into an animal nursery. But when the rain stops and the clean-up begins, focusing on reading becomes Neeka’s biggest challenge.
Recommended for:
Ages 9+
Three reasons to read it:
- Neeka’s world is fun and exciting, but she also deals with real challenges like feeling overwhelmed, trying to stay focused and helping out in a crisis. Kids who love adventure and a bit of real-life emotion will totally connect with Neeka’s journey. It’s not just about reading books, it’s about being brave, staying kind and doing your best, even when life gets stormy.
- Neeka has a deadline: finish her school reading challenge or else. Sound familiar? Between storm chaos, animal rescues and soggy zoo maps, finding quiet time to read isn’t easy. But Neeka never gives up, and her story might just inspire you to power through your own stack of books (or start one!).
- Neeka and the Storm doesn’t just have drama, it’s packed with warmth and giggles. Strachan’s writing is full of heart and Hamilton’s adorable illustrations are breathtaking. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer and you’ll maybe want to hug a goat by the end of it.
Buy a copy of Wilder Zoo #2: Neeka and the Storm here.
About the author:
Tina Strachan is a children’s book author who has spent twenty years working and studying wildlife conservation including through zoo keeping, vet nursing, research and as a conservation officer. These unique experiences provide fodder for her debut middle grade series, Wilder Zoo. Tina lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland with her husband, two boys and their cavoodle.
Max Hamilton has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for over twenty years. She studied fine art at COFA, NSW, and went on to study graphic design and illustration at Enmore TAFE. Max is now, most enthusiastically, a maker of children’s books and enjoys noticing the little details in things and loves to get lost in the world of illustration and stories.
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