Trouble and the Missing Cat (Trouble #2)

Cate Whittle (text), Stephen Michael King (illus), Omnibus/Scholastic Australia, 1 July 2016, 96pp., $9.99 (pbk) ISBN 9781742990774 

Trouble and the Missing Cat continues the adventures of Georgia and her dragon friend Trouble. At the start of the book, Georgia revisits the story from the first book (Trouble at Home) of how Trouble stole the family home with Georgia’s baby brother inside, but she won them back in a staring competition. Due to the recap, it’s not essential for young readers to start with book one.

The story starts with Principal Postlethwaite banning Trouble from coming to school. It seems that Georgia’s dragon has been performing some impressive landings on the playground and oval, destroying them in the process. So what does a lonely, dynamic dragon do when he can’t hang out with his friends? He carries on causing trouble! Can he help Georgia unravel the mystery of missing cat Tibbles without his usual mischief and mayhem?

The wonderful appeal of this book comes from the observations of feisty, red-haired narrator Georgia. She’s such a believable character, peppering her story with witty observations and humour. Children aged 7+ will relate to her without a doubt, especially the way she stands up to her cheeky schoolmates and pacifies the spirited Trouble. Kids will also love the idea that a fire-breathing dragon can be part of everyday family life, despite being a law unto himself!

Highly recommended as an entertaining early chapter book for independent readers in Years 2-4.

Cate Whittle is a primary teacher and mum who loves reading to her class, dragons, ancient and medieval history and going on adventures (mainly inside her head). A writer of children’s books and short stories, she’s creating more Trouble stories for kids to enjoy. You can read more about Cate at http://www.catewhittlewrites.com/

Stephen Michael King is the new illustrator for the series (Kim Gamble illustrated the first book). Stephen is a much-loved author/illustrator of many children’s books (including The Pocket Dogs, Goblin in the Bush and his own books Leaf, Mutt Dog). I especially love the way Stephen captures Trouble’s impish nature. You can read more about Stephen at http://www.stephenmichaelking.com/

Reviewed by Georgina Ballantine