Katherine Rundell, ill. Sara Ogilvie
Bloomsbury
Age 5-9
When Mink is swinging in the garden, trying to avoid bedtime, she doesn’t expect to meet a young zebra, or that he can communicate AND she will understand what he is saying. Mink discovers that Gabriel (the zebra) is in urgent need of her help.
So begins a magical adventure with talking animals and a dastardly villain, who is thwarted through our heroine’s bravery and a determined team of animal helpers.
This is an exciting story with a satisfying ending and a clear message about helping others: ‘When people ask you for help, they are doing a magnificent thing, they are giving you the chance to change the world for the better.’
The Zebra’s Great Escape is a first picturebook from award winning children’s fiction writer Rundell. It is a story told with drama, warmth and humour. Her delightful text is perfectly matched by Sara Ogilvie’s lively illustrations. The book includes an A-Z of animals – which might inspire children to create their own.
Watch an introduction to the book from author, Katherine Rundell:
Read aloud
Although your child may be gaining confidence and able to read the text independently this is a great story to read aloud to your child. It is divided into sections, making it ideal to read over three story times. After sharing a section or before starting the next you could talk about what you both have found out so far and what your child hopes will happen next.
Talk more about the story
➤ Did anything surprise you?
➤ Did anything make you laugh?
➤ Talk about your favourite scenes from the story
➤ Which characters do you like best?
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