Warrior Monkeys and the Volcano Adventure

Bekko and Suki are trainee Warrior Monkeys on a remote island. They and their classmates are being instructed in the martial arts by their dedicated teachers. Suki has much to learn about patience and responsibility while Bekko lacks belief in himself. Their life consists of drills and exercises conducted within a class full of the usual character mix - the hesitant ones, the loud ones and the ones verging on the bullying, but generally they are happy and contented. One day, however, Bekko notices something strange about the volcano and he and Suki set out to investigate. There follows a tale of an evil ex-warrior monkey, exiled by his peers some years before for wrongdoing, now returned intent on revenge and the destruction of this community. Bekko and Suki must make important decisions about seeking help and use all their training to combat Jirugi and his band of hypnotised meerkats. This book, with its exciting story of peril, copious illustrations, clear text and appealing main characters would be perfect for the developing reader getting to grips with longer chapter books. Alongside the physical aspects of martial arts, much is made of the spiritual component and the rules of the warrior monkeys (courtesy, humility, integrity, perseverance, discipline and indomitable spirit as set out at the end of the book) provide a basis for much discussion on how people can live together. As a life lesson, I particularly like 'perseverance - warriors never lose because they never quit. You might win or you might learn but you never give up.' 192 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by June Hughes, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Warrior Monkeys and the Volcano Adventure is the first in a new series of martial arts adventures aimed at 7-9 year-olds. Set at a monkey martial arts school in the Shanti Islands, we are immediately introduced to the large cast of characters including brave but reckless Suki and her more cautious best friend, Bekko. To begin with their biggest challenge is arriving on time to lessons with strict Sensei Rika, but soon larger threats emerge - the island volcano is smoking, animals are behaving weirdly and disgraced ex-student Jirugi is back. Warrior Monkeys is an excellent young chapter book. While older readers may find the plot and pacing a little whistle-stop for their tastes, the non-stop movement, clear-cut goodies and baddies, and 'kids to the rescue' storyline are sure to be a hit with the target audience. Chapters are short with regular illustrations and the meercats, in particular, are bound to elicit 'ooh's and aah's'. Written by M C Stevens, a martial arts expert, the positive message shines thorough clearly. Bekko and Suki triumph not through superior weapon skills but through making the right decisions. The mental aspects of being a good warrior - humility, integrity, perseverance, courtesy, discipline and indomitable spirit - are promoted far more than physical skill, and the book begins with The Warrior's Promise ('I promise to be a good student, to feed my mind, to strengthen my body, to have truth in my heart, to be kind and always do my best') and ends with The Rules of the Warrior Monkeys. Overall, I would highly recommend Warrior Monkeys to young adventure fans, and will eagerly await the next in the series. 192 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Carol Carter, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+