The Akimbo Adventures

Author:

Alexander McCall Smith

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

Farshore

First Published:

7 May 2015

Ideal for readers aged

6-9y

My Review

‘Akimbo and the Elephants’ is my favourite of these brilliant short chapter books by the brilliant Alexander McCall Smith. Set in Botswana, the series tells stories of the life of Akimbo, son of a warden on a nature reserve. They are perfectly pitched and truly gripping – amazing for such short books – and Akimbo is plucky, resourceful, and always doing his utmost to protect the animals his father cares for against poachers and other existential threats. These, and Mc Call Smith's 'Precious' series are my go-to recommendation for anyone trying to find stories for readers growing in confidence and ready for first chapter books.

Heads Up!

There are animals under threat, which some children might find upsetting – but coming to their rescue is what makes Akimbo a hero! This is a collection of 3 of the Akimbo adventures (there are 6 in all) are also available as individual books, which can feel more achievable for readers just starting out on their own - but they can be harder to come by!

Publisher Review

Imagine living in the heart of Africa. Imagine living in a place where the sun rises every morning over blue mountains. Akimbo and his parents live on the edge of an African game reserve. It's his father's task to protect the thousands of amazing animals who make it their home, and wildlife-loving Akimbo dreams of helping him. In these three adventures, Akimbo protects elephants from poachers, saves a lion cub from a trap, and rescues a man from a crocodile!