The Kensington Reptilarium

I was drawn to this book by the sweet figures on the cover, which I recognised as being the work of talented Australian illustrator Allison Colpoys. Her artwork perfectly suits this slightly dotty, traditional story. The narrative is told through Kick Caddy, the eldest of four outback kids. She’s been holding the fort in the absence of their much-adored explorer father.

But the story takes us away from Australia early on when the Caddy’s life of outdoor adventure in the blazing heat is turned upside-down: their father is missing so they head for chilly post-World War II London to be looked after by Uncle Basti. Arriving shoeless and hungry, they’re distraught to find that reclusive Basti wants nothing to do with them, but intrigued because his house is an eccentric reptilarium. Desperate for a home, they dig in their heels and try to make Basti love them.

Kick is a lovely mix of resolute tomboy and all-feeling responsible eldest, who dearly loves her siblings. My favourite passage is one we’re made to wait for – the explanation for Basti’s difficult character, which is very moving. Sophisticated language in clipped ‘outback kid’ sentences match a lively plot. This could work well as a family read, and for ages 9 and up.

Emily Gale