Minton Goes! by Anna Fienberg
Ill. by Kim Gamble. Allen & Unwin, 2014
(Age: 4-7) Highly recommended. Minton Goes includes seven
adventure-filled stories in one big book, from Hector the
Hottest Boy who ever lived to all of Minton the spotty
salamander's escapades. Hector and Minton live on a tropical island.
They enjoy mangoes and pineapples and each other's company. Hector
longs for a real friend, someone to talk to and hug, however, he's
too hot to touch. Minton rides on his big toe because salamanders
can dance through fire. After a tropical storm, they are blown out
to sea and begin a new life in a Viking village. Hector's warmth is
used in lots of creative ways.
Minton leaves Hector behind and goes off on his own adventures. He
loves anything that moves, boats, trucks, cars and submarines. With
his less adventurous friend Turtle they explore the world, making
model vehicles out of everyday objects. The plans for construction
are included at the end of each story. The themes of these stories
celebrate friendship, creativeness and resourcefulness.
This is a wonderful story collection from Anna Fienberg and Kim
Gamble's creators of the Tashi series. There is a seamless,
complimentary collaboration between the story and the illustrations.
It's time to introduce Hector and Minton to a new generation of
young readers.
Rhyllis Bignell