cover image FIDDLEBACK

FIDDLEBACK

Elizabeth Honey, . . Knopf, $14.95 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-375-80579-0

In a book wrought in the same lively spirit as her Don't Pat the Wombat!, Australian author Honey introduces Henni, who is about to begin seventh grade. As the heroine recounts her eventful camping trip with family members and neighbors, the early chapters comically depict typical mishaps and discoveries of the seven adults and five children roughing it in the Outback. The plot thickens after the youngsters happen upon a preserved patch of rain forest, threatened to be demolished by a pair of greedy lumber mill employees (who may want to turn the ancient trees into "fiddlebacks"). The children (with a little help from their very pregnant neighbor, Donna, and Old Jim, a hermit) fight to save the forest. Meanwhile, more excitement mounts as a fierce rain storm nearly washes their campsite away and Donna, trapped between lakes of water, has to give birth in a tent. The combination of distinct personalities proves to be the most memorable element of this antic romp, captured in whimsical pencil drawings. The cast includes Henni's electronics-genius friend, Zev, her hand-standing sister, Danielle, cheerful Mr. Nick and a wiener dog, who's become very attached to a "smelly old hoof." Anyone who's ever gone camping (or desires to do so) will find plenty of laughs and drama here as they share Henni's great adventure. Ages 10-14. (June)