Picture books, activity books & early learning material
February 2022
Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace
by Judith Vun Price, Jacqui Vun
Stories about grandparents delight children. So, when children read how Nenek Tata’s adventure on what started out as a normal day turns a bit scary, their delight will explode. It’s all because this day turns out to be not-so-normal. When Nenek Tata gets inside the gloomy jungles of the swamp, a huge, dripping, brown monster emerges. And, when the monster follows her, she must defend her home to the last … until she discovers the monster’s identity. This scary story is set in Malaysia’s eastern-most state of Sabah and is told in the style of a Malaysian hantu folk tale. Its little bit of fright delights children because of the funny twist in the end. In the way many stories grandparents tell young children, this one entertains while teaching them about the dangers of the swamps and jungles. Illustrations show reflections of stories about grandparents. Dynamic, full-colour illustrations transform the tranquil landscape as the storm approaches and the drama unfolds. Consequently, the growing mystery draws the reader in: What is this monster, where did it come from? Artful storytelling captures north Borneo’s beautiful native vegetation and animals, and exquisite textures and patterns. It shows children and adults interested in distant times and places a melding of cultures. This fine attention to detail offers young readers a wild and rollicking adventure, keeping them on the edge of their seats to the very end.
