A riveting historical adventure … as much about friendship and loyalty and the bonds of family as a quest for identity. The 103 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. PLEASE NOTE: From 1st of July 2021, shipments from the UK to EU countries will be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) charges.

It subtly weaves in historical learning subjects throughout the story, which is wonderfully written and gripping the whole way through. Along the way the children spy warrior hunters from the faraway forest city and speculate as to what they might be looking for. I would recommend this book to my friend because he really likes adventure and this book is full of adventure. When reading this book, you become completely absorbed into the culture of the West African people … because the story is rich and gripping. Teachers notes, linked to the text, are also available to download for free from the publishers, Dinosaur Books Ltd.Ada must now travel deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin and use everything within her power to heal the terrible divisions that are tearing the kingdom apart. Ada has to go on an adventure with Mbe to find Ada’s twin brother and stop her father from trying to kill her. As the story unfolds the children face many dangers and much treachery on their journey but Ada’s courage and self-belief carry her forward and she discovers some surprising revelations in her quest to find her true family. My least favourite character was Ujo pronounced oo-jor because he betrayed papa Eze and Ada to the Edo king (the sky king) Ogiso. The descriptions transported me to Africa, but not the Africa of tourism, safari or famine but great civilisations, of not only great beauty but trading nations, strong customs and I learned a lot about this kingdom.

A fast-paced adventure, this story brings to life one of Africa's most fascinating civilizations, the ancient Edo Kingdom of Benin. My least favourite character in this book is Chief Iwe because he treats people horribly and is very ungrateful and rude to everyone he comes across.The book includes a factual section at the end, to help readers widen their knowledge of the Kingdom of Benin and West African culture and traditions. An immersive adventure story for any child who enjoys being transported to another world, this short novel also fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and children s stories that are inclusive, diverse and explore a greater range of cultures, stories and settings. When reading this book, you become completely absorbed into the culture of the West African people . I also appreciated the appendix where the author took the time to add a “facts and fiction” section that further introduces the reader to this ancient kingdom! Through the sequence of learning, children will explore the story from various perspectives, comparing characters and writing letters and diary entries in role.

It fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and stories that are inclusive, diverse and explore a greater range of cultures, stories and settings. The Sky-king, who does not like Ada’s mother, wants to kill Ada because he does not want any of Ada’s mother’s children to live.The plot was exciting because there were lots of cliffhangers and it was light-hearted and serious at different times. The thing that most stood out for me was the fact that the main character was a girl and was not a tomboy. Ross Welford introduces Time Travelling with a Tortoise, the sequel to Time Travelling with a Hamster, and a whole new time travel adventure!

The story is rich in historical detail and the cultural traditions of West Africa and as accurate historical fiction it is also perfect for celebrating Black history. I would have rated it 10/10 if there was more description in the book because there wasn’t much and it would have made a more clearer image of the book in my head.The book follows the story of Ada, who discovers her true identity and must travel into the heart of the rainforest to heal the divisions that are occurring within the kingdom. Featuring a strong female protagonist, the book opens up the chance to discuss identity, heritage and belonging. Children of the Benin Kingdom is fast paced adventure story, set in one of Africa’s most fascinating civilisations, the Edo Kingdom of Benin. Candy Gourlay introduces Wild Song, her companion novel to Bone Talk, in which Luki and Samkad leave their home in the Philippines for America.