Karen Tyrrell (text), Trevor Salter (illus.), Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra (Super Space Kids #2), Digital Futures Press, 14 May 2016, 186pp., $16.45 (pbk), ISBN: 9780994302137
Save the world… AGAIN! This is book 2 of the Super Space Kids series. After saving us from the IT in book 1, our hero, Josh Atkins, or exceptionally talented video gamer Jo-Kin, is trying to return to being a normal kid, staying incognito, living with his parents and attending school. He could wish! He is almost immediately requested for another urgent mission, to save Commander Nova’s little sister and the Junior Space Kids Team from the clutches of evil Lord Terra. And thus begins a funny, action-packed space adventure.
As I started reading I was uncomfortable. The writing seemed stilted, the dialogue abrupt and the descriptions paltry…so I put the book down. I thought about why I was struggling when normally, after finishing heavy literary works, I love to refresh myself by jumping into a romping good book for kids. And there was my problem! I had read adult books non-stop for a long time and I was stuck in a particular style of writing… one meant for an adult audience. Back I went to Jo-Kin and eased myself into Karen Tyrell’s writing style, the style meant for readers 7-12 years old… and I loved it!
I raced through the book at a pace appropriate to the action unfolding within, but it was at Karen Tyrrell’s creation of an exceptional fantasy world on the edible planet of Deelish-us that I slowed down and relished the flavours. With an enormous volcano spouting hot chilli sauce, sizzling ponds of melted cheese and fields of 39 flavours of cupcakes, my personal heaven, nobody could ever go hungry… although a reader’s belly will grumble. But the rescue team has a lot to contend with besides their stomachs.
Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra will be hugely popular with students 7-12 years, especially boys. Everything, from the language Tyrrell uses, to the typeface and the assorted graphics by Trevor Salter, has been selected with an astute awareness of the author’s target audience. And, besides the visual impact, this series is bursting with discussion worthy elements. I can see great potential for active discussion, not only for students describing their own edible planet but on resilience, problem-solving, team work, self-esteem, family and friendship.
Karen Tyrrell is an award-winning author from Brisbane, currently working as a teacher. Karen also conducts creative writing workshops and presents fun storytelling sessions. You will find plenty of free activities, teachers’ notes and contact details on her website .
I am looking forward to reading Karen’s next book which promises to be bursting with girl power!
Reviewed by Sharon Smith
