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Adventures of Riley: Mission to Madagascar
Adventures of Riley Series, No. 5

by Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz



      How exciting would it be to cross the world in search of endangered animals? Nine-year old Riley explores this thrill with his Uncle Max. In Adventures of Riley: Mission to Madagascar, Uncle Max invites Riley to search for the nearly extinct Aye-Aye Lemur. Their mission is to save the Aye-Ayes by educating others of the animals' plight. Riley, Uncle Max, Aunt Martha, and cousin Alice join a film crew to document animals that only exist on the African island. They discover trees that grow upside down and a bird that makes its nest on the ground. Alice wants to be the film's star and keeps posing for her cameo. When Riley learns that Aye-Aye Lemurs have bat-like ears and glowing eyes, he runs screaming at the possibility of coming face to face with the scary-looking animal. Will the explorers continue to seek the Aye-Aye Lemur? Does Riley find truth in the locals' claim that Aye-Ayes bring bad luck?

Adventures of Riley: Mission to Madagascar is the fifth book in the Adventure of Riley series. This book is both educational and entertaining. The presentation and storyline make it easy to read. Kids can learn basic knowledge of the region and its inhabitants. Intriguing facts about the region, provided by scientists and researchers, will interest both kids and adults. The characters are likeable and believable. I particularly like that the adults reassure a fearful Riley during the search.

The book itself is beautiful. The pages come alive with vivid photographs of animals and their environment mingled within bright illustrations of the characters. Each book contains a detachable passport, an adventure sticker, and free membership to Riley's World. Hidden pictures send kids to more adventures on Riley's website, which features activities for kids and information for parents and teachers. The authors dedicate their books to environment conservation and donate a portion of their sales to organizations close to my heart: The Smithsonian Institute, The Wildlife Conservation Society, and The World Wildlife Federation.

I love the book as much as my son did. I highly recommend this book for home and for school!

The Book

Eaglemont Press
May 25, 2005
Hardcover
0-9748411-2-9
Fiction [Children, ages 4-8] - Fact-based Picture Book; Environmental Conservation
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Foreward Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (2004); Teacher's Choice Awards(2005); Writer's Notes Magazine Book Award, Notables (2005); Mom's Choice Awards (2005)

The Reviewer

Jennifer Akers
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
© 2005 MyShelf.com