Bear in the Woods by R. A. Spratt
The Peski Kids book 2. Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143788836.
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Brothers and Sisters, Country Life,
Bears, Festivals. Bear in the Woods begins with an update on
the Peski kids' mother Dr Banfield, still held in an Eastern
European jail after a determined fight to escape. Meanwhile, her
family remains in the eccentric country town of Currawong, living
with their horticulturist father who's constantly worried about
their safety. He's afraid the evil Kolektiv team will discover their
whereabouts, and all he wants is for the children to keep a low
profile! A burning computer in Joe's bedroom begins this hilariously
crazy fast-paced adventure. With the help of Ingrid, the neighbour's
au pair and Dad's sprinkler system, the blaze is contained. Why
would anyone want to destroy the computer - maybe there is some data
hidden inside?
Drama and disaster seem to follow Joe, April and Fin who love to
argue and bicker; however they pull together in a crisis. With $1000
to purchase a new computer the Peski kids set off for Currawong
where the whole town is turning yellow, preparing for Daffodil Day.
Just like a car without brakes travelling downhill, the Peskis soon
find themselves in an out of control sequence of events. April's
fierce little dog Pumpkin chases a cat up a pole, Constable Pike
then steps in and each of the kids has fifty hours community
service. Whilst out in the bush clearing rubbish and debris from the
creek April is swept away in a flash flood. After some desperate
moments she struggles ashore, concussed and bruised, confronted by a
large, black bear. Why doesn't anyone else believe April; even her
brothers question her mental state? How does Fin's hours of
community service at the crazy Cat Lady's house and animal barn
provide unexpected answers?
R. A. Spratt takes the crazy cast of Currawong characters on a
humorous and madcap journey. April visits a mad psychiatrist with
her ancient aluminium caravan-office parked in the middle of Main
Street; she's chased by Officer Oddinson of Animal Control on the
loose with his tranquiliser gun and the kids have confrontations
with the mayor and Constable Pike.
The author's humorous and witty style of writing, dash of romance,
family dramas and her fast-paced plot make Bear in the Woods
a fabulous class novel for students in the Upper Primary. What's
next for feisty Peski Kids?
Rhyllis Bignell