39 Clues Takes Kids on Whirlwind Ride Through History

The 39 Clues is an exciting series of ten adventure books, combining reading, online gaming and card collecting. The series has got kids around the globe hooked and rumours are afloat that Steven Spielberg has been chosen to direct the first movie scheduled for 2012.

The first book introduces readers to the powerful Cahill family and begins with the death of the Cahill clan matriarch Grace, who changes her will at the last moment, giving her descendants the choice between an inheritance or a clue. 

Siblings Amy and Dan Cahill find themselves faced with an unusual choice: inherit one million dollars or participate in a perilous treasure hunt. Cahills have determined the course of history for centuries, and this quest's outcome will bring the victors untold power which will affect all of humankind. 

Against the wishes of nasty Aunt Beatrice, their reluctant guardian since their parents' deaths, Dan and Amy accept the challenge, convincing their college-age au pair to serve as designated adult. Pitted against other Cahill teams, who will stop at nothing to win, the siblings decipher the first of 39 clues and are soon hot on the historical trail of family member Ben Franklin, to unearth the next secret. 

Adeptly incorporating a genuine kids' perspective, the narrative unfolds like a boulder rolling downhill and keeps readers glued to the pages. As the siblings work together to solve puzzles and survive dangers, they develop into well-drawn individuals with their own strengths and personalities. The book dazzles with suspense, plot twists, and clever humor and gets readers clambering to get their hands on the next book and the next clue!

So if you want to keep your kids out of mischief and completely glued during the next school holidays, get them The 39 Clues. The whole series is available at www.imagikids.co.za

Happy Reading!

James and the Giant Peach celebrates 50 years!

This year Roald Dahl’s classic James and the Giant Peach, celebrates its 50th Anniversary. 

Dahl has been delighting young children, since 1961, with his marvellous story of an orphan, James Henry Trotter, who is forced to live with his horrible aunts, Sponge and Spiker, and who embarks on a magical adventure inside a giant peach. 

According to the author’s website, this was the “first major book” he wrote for children and they simply fell in love with his magical, humourous story-telling. Roald Dahl possessed the ability to captivate the imaginations of young children and make them laugh. His stories have been able to get millions of children world-wide hooked on reading.

A major highlight of the anniversary festivities will take place during Puffin's "September is Roald Dahl Month" celebration which ties in with the late author's birthday on 13 September. On 28 September, Quentin Blake, illustrator of James and the Giant Peach and other Dahl classics, will hold a live Webcast, during which he will talk about his work with the author and take questions from his online audience. Anyone interested in taking part, can register for the event here.

Of course, Roahl Dahl has written many other classics too. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the one that my kids can't get enough of. I think its the thought of swimming in a river of chocolate that gets my son's imagination in a spin.

Some of the most popular Roahl Dahl classics are just waiting to entertain your children at ImagiKids.

www.imagikids.co.za

See you next week.


Happy Reading....