The White Giraffe: Book 1 (The White Giraffe Series) - Hardcover

St John, Lauren

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1842555200 ISBN 13: 9781842555200

Publisher: Orion Children's Books, 2006

Synopsis

When she is eleven years old, Martine is orphaned and sent to live with her grandmother on a game reserve in South Africa. Her grandmother seems strangely unwelcoming and Martine has a difficult time settling in at her new school, where she is conspicuously an outsider. But she has an ally in Tendai - one of the keepers on the reserve, from whom she learns the lore and survival techniques of the bush, and in Grace - who instantly senses there is something special about Martine.

There are secrets about Sawubona (the reserve) just waiting to be revealed, and rumours too about a fabled white giraffe - a trophy for hunters everywhere. One night Martine, lonely and feeling slightly rebellious too, looks out of her window and see a young albino giraffe - silver, tinged with cinnamon in the moonlight. This is the beginning of her mysterious and magical adventures - her discovery of her gift of healing and a secret valley that she travels to with the giraffe, where she'll find clues about her past and future. Above all it's is a heart-warming story, full of charm and atmosphere, and Martine's sheer delight in her giraffe friend and the fantastic landscape which is theirs to explore.

About this title

Review

'In a spellbinding and mesmerizing debut novel, Lauren St John weaves a captivating tale of love, loss, friendship and the richly evoked history of Africa.' (George Hanratty, The Golden Treasury PUBLISHING NEWS)

'St John brings Africa to vivid life in this tale of a young girl sent to a new life; Martine's sense of cold alienation set against the hot safari landscape...the white giraffe, an albino rarity prized by game hunters - the perfect leit-motif for this fragile stirring story.' (Dina Rabinovitch THE GUARDIAN)

'a thoughful, heartwarming read for the summer. When Martine sees the mystrical creature from her bedroom window, it is the start of a beautiful adventure.' (Nikki Gamble THE BOOKSELLER)

'a beautiful story of the bond between an English orphan and a fabled white young giraffe. Set on a South African game reserve it transports youngsters to an exotic land and lets their imagination run wild.' (Helen Crockett GROVE)

'An unexpected treat, The White Giraffe is the terrific tale of Martine who after the tragic death of her parents must live on her grandmother's wildlife reserve in South Africa... A lovingly written book that immerses you in Africa's rugged charms.' (FUNDAY TIMES)

'Mystery, intrigue and suspense dominate the story of 11 year old orphaned Martine who is sent to live with her grandmother on a game reserve in South Africa. Reading this meticulously worded, cleverly crafted and flawless novel proved to be a real joy. This book has the hallmark of a children's classic and would make a delightful film.' (Marion Griffiths ARMADILLO)

'introduces a glorious creature and enjoyable characters: Martin's grandmother, her Zulu gamekeeper and a fortune-telling African wise woman. And it fulfils wishes common to many children: to love and be loved by animals, to outwit bullies, and to be daring, independent and triumphant.' (Nicolette Jones SUNDAY TIMES)

'a truly magical story with an excellent and original storyline.' (Chloe Dennis (aged 10) FIRST NEWS)

'... a really charming and thrilling story, written with grace and poise.' (Amanda Craig THE TIMES)

'Fantasy merges with the real world as the gentle, mysterious giraffe seeks Martine out and carries her away on a magical adventure. An unusual and exciting story.' (Rosalind Kerven NORTHERN ECHO)

Book Description

The heartwarming adventures of a young orphan girl and a magical white giraffe in exotic Africa.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orion Children's Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1842555200
• ISBN 13: 9781842555200
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192
• Illustrator: Dean David