Neeka and the great search by Tina Strachan. Illus. by Max Hamilton

Neeka Wilder is an 11-year-old who has grown up in the Wilder Zoo where her mother is the veterinarian. Neeka and her two friends regularly help out doing behind the scenes tasks and love the constant (occasionally messy) and intriguing jobs that help the zoo run smoothly. But when Neeka’s friends inform her that they will both be away during the school holidays and she will be on her own, she is immediately disconsolate at the news. Fortunately, an unexpected young visitor may help her feel more at ease in the absence of her regular friends. But the new girl initially struggles to fill the void, and Neeka seems to get things wrong in trying to make her fit into zoo life. An injured mother koala and her lost Joey, (after a car accident) prove that the visitor can help in many ways, but Neeka seems to make mistakes in creating a new friendship. Will Neeka be able to be more than an amateur zoo attendant and can she also be a good friend? And how many apologies is enough? 

This is a great story for readers aged 9-12 who love animal stories with heart and an overlaid friendship drama. The setting at the zoo and in the veterinarian work life adds a delightful ‘behind-the-scenes’ insight into the hard work and complexities of zoo life. The complications of friendship are also apparent. The challenge of caring for injured animals or searching for a ‘lost’ animal utilising modern technologies is also intriguing for younger readers. This is definitely a book to be recommended for animal lovers and note that the friendship sagas are sweetly resolved.

Themes: Zoos, Animals, Koalas, Veterinary care, Friendship, Apologies.

Carolyn Hull