Anna Fienberg can certainly pen a story. Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café is refreshing, quirky, vibrant and just pure fun.
With the added benefit of Stephen Michael King’s colourful illustrations adorning page, it is a perfect challenge for those just climbing in to chapter books and an enjoyable romp for those already confident.
Figaro and Rumba are a quirky cat and dog. One has a penchant for jazz music and a longing for Cuba, whilst the other is kind and well, urm, a little slow on the uptake sometimes.
Figaro really wants to go on the Very Fast Train and knows it’s just the thing his friend Rumba needs too. When they eventually make it on to the train they become embroiled in an exciting plot that will change their lives.
This is a story with a number of delightful twists and turns which are neatly divided in to six chapters to prevent it from appearing overwhelming to younger readers.
The narrative is very well told involving lots of dialogue and humour, and with every sentence developing the story line just that little bit further. Plot clues are neatly placed encouraging young readers to engage with the story, thus encouraging predications.
The gorgeousness of those illustrations from Stephen Michael King and that fantastic vibrant orange hardcover make Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café an enticing prospect for those who have begun whizzing through those first, slim chapter books.
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