The Terrakeet By Jo van der Borgh – YA Books Central
About This Book:
The youngest child of a simple fishing family discovers the truth about the faraway monster they fear in this delightful, imaginative debut.
The Finlock family lives by the Pincer Sea, as peaceful as can be. They spend their days lounging and fishing for fronds to cook in their little copper kettles. It’s an idyllic life, disturbed only by their great fear of the frimbulitic Terrakeet! Luckily, they’ve never seen this carnivorous beast, for it lives beyond Finlock Bay. But one day, when there are no fronds to be found, the youngest Finlock journeys in all directions to search for other delectables . . . and comes face-to-face with the dreaded creature! But would such a terrible monster cry about swarming bees? Would it ask if the lad had been fed? First-time author Jo van der Borgh uses playful invented language to craft a classic story of discovering the true nature of others and making unexpected friends, illustrated with utter charm by Jo Beasley.
*Review Contributed by Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*
We are more alike than different
The Terrakeet is a fantastically fun story about being brave enough to see past differences and into the possibility of friendship. The made-up words throughout have the same whimsy as Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss books. The Finlock family has always been afraid of the fabled monstrous Terrakeet. However, a chance encounter has the youngest Finlock realizing the Terrakeet is not scary and befriends it. The illustrations are engaging and complement the story. Overall, this is a fun story about seeing past what you have been told and taking a chance with friendship that is perfect for Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss fans.