Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue by Alan MacDonald illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

Huxley is a koala. Flapjack is a penguin. They live together in a rambling house in the woods. Huxley lives high in the treetops (I hope this is a gum tree) but Flapjack is afraid of heights, so his bedroom is on the ground. 

Image source: Francesca Gambatesa

Huxley is a bit of a dare devil while Flapjack tends to be more cautious. It is clear there will be several disasters when the friends head into the city to explore a brand new, six-storey department store. Adding the mayhem, a robber is a at work. The store manager is sure Huxley is the thief but our friends have seen the real thief and so they set up a trap to catch him and hopefully recover all the stolen items. 

Oddly this is book contains information that might surprise Australian children. Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue comes from the UK and it contains a serious factual error - Koalas are not bears! But if you can look past this issue, this book and the next one in the series would be a good addition to your easy chapter collection. There are colour illustrations; and easy to read text; and a fast moving story with touches of humour. Here is an interview with the author. Here is the webpage for Alan MacDonald.

A fast-moving fun story, ideal for new solo readers with zany, dynamic full colour illustrations by Francesca Gambatesa on every spread. I suspect this duo will gain lots of young followers who will eagerly anticipate their further adventures. Red Reading Hub

This charming young chapter book is full of energy, and the fabulous colour illustrations on every page perfectly reflect the vim and vigour of the adventure. Huxley is perhaps a little too quick to act before thinking, and this can provide a talking point. Meanwhile, the very sweet and sensible Flapjack is always there to counter-balance the impetuous koala. This would appeal to young readers who enjoy animal stories that aren’t too cutesy. Book Trust

From its zingy yellow cover to its wonderful colour illustrations, this gorgeous early chapter book is bursting with energy and adventure, sure to capture the imagination- and hearts- of its readers. Huxley and Flapjack prove that opposites attract and that true friends can be quite different to you in both tastes and backgrounds. Through the Bookshelf

The second book from this series will arrive mid year.