A review by Nalini Haynes
Limpy is a slightly squashed cane toad living in Queensland. For the past four books he’s been on a mission to find out why humans don’t like cane toads. Now he really knows but he’s reluctant to tell his family. He’d still like to make friends with humans so we don’t keep squashing his rellies when they’re on the road or he’ll need more room to stack his uncles and aunties.
Charm is Limpy’s sister. She’s smaller than your average cane toad because pollution stunted her growth. She’s sweet and kind and occasionally comes out with the unpalatable truth when Limpy doesn’t want to admit it.
Goliath is Limpy’s huge cousin. He jousts with cars. So far he hasn’t been squashed. Now he’s in love with Penny — a penguin backpack. And the humans want their backpack back.
Gleitzman’s Toad series has delighted children for nearly two decades. For three consecutive years when my son was in primary school, his class requested Toad Rage (the first book) and as many of the series as I could read to them during parent help. The kids who’d heard the story before wanted it again and the kids who hadn’t heard it before didn’t want to miss out.
Toad Delight is simple, short and in the same vein as the earlier books although I have to say I think Toad Rage and Toad Away are the best. Toad Rage had me laughing every year (we didn’t always get any further than book one because teachers got all excited about dioramas and stuff). Toad Away uses Limpy and a trip to the Amazon jungle to explore ecology and environmental issues. Toad Delight is light and fun. I’m sure kids will love the entire series. Highly recommended.
It looks like Toad Delight will be released on 1 August 2016.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for Toad Delight. 5 out of 5 stars to Toad Rage and Toad Away, which I recommend to readers of all ages.
ISBN-13: 9780143309239
ISBN-10: 0143309234
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
Imprint: Puffin (Penguin Random House)
