Mango and Hopscotch by Sophie Cunningham & Anil Tortop

The inspiring story of a brave kangaroo and her joey rescued from floodwaters, will tug at the heartstrings of all readers, as they see the results of an unexpected flood, destroying the landscape and all they have known.The mob of kangaroos grazes peacefully next to the edge of the river. Hopscotch is out of her mother’s pouch, learning how to survive in their rainforest. But Mango notices the rain falling. Butterflies,frogs and lizards all seek shelter. Later thunder and lightning ensues, forcing the mob to find a place out of the rain. The river rises, they spy a houses where many other animals have sought shelter, and join them. But the river keeps rising, and Hopscotch and Mango are forced to swim for their lives. Meanwhile Max has helped get ready with others making sandwiches and giving out clothing. He and his kayak go into the water, noticing Hopscotch flagging as she swims. He hauls both animals onto his kayak and paddles back to shore where he dries Hopscotch then watches the pair as they hop up the hill to safety. The flood wains and the kangaroos resume their munching on the grasses.
A lovely story of how floods affect animals as they simply try to survive when such an event occurs around them. The affects on the wider community is noted as Max helps out with other members of his community. Lovely soft illustrations accompany the story, giving readers an image to view as they read, noting the environment the animals live in and other animals that live around them.
Themes: Kangaroos, Floods, Rescue.
Fran Knight