(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Kass Reich. Lonely in a new town, Daniel Misumi meets an even lonelier talking fruit bat in this early chapter book. Together, boy and bat strategize its return to Borneo while also dodging a callous neighbor, forging new friendships, and bonding over Star Wars. Humphrey makes the story's various absurdities seem only natural, and the gently rounded graphite illustrations and welcoming, large-font format match the sweet tone.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Arree Chung. Eleven-year-old Ronald Zupan sets out with the requisite sidekicks to rescue his artifact-hunting parents, enduring pirates, poison arrows, a plane crash, and more. Told in alternating voices, Ronald exaggerates the story while his butler, Thomas, tries to keep things grounded in reality. Accompanied by appealing spot- and full-page black-and-white illustrations, the adventures become rather tedious in spite of their variety.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Wildlife Rescue series. Eszterhas, an accomplished wildlife photographer, documents the work of the Alaska SeaLife Center and Borneo's Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine in straightforward texts and vivid full-color photographs; the adorable images show orphaned baby otters and orangutans interacting with caregivers to learn life skills. Important conservation-related information and a "Kids Ask Suzi" interview round out each volume. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Wildlife Rescue titles: Orangutan Orphanage and Sea Otter Rescue.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(4) 4-6 Wild Rescue series. Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer. Eleven-year-old twins Ben and Zoe work with their uncle, founder of WILD, an organization rescuing endangered species, on undercover spy missions; in these volumes they head to Sumatra (Poacher) and South Borneo (Rainforest). Forced dialogue hampers the stories, but unique settings, bad guys, and dangerous situations add excitement. Information on endangered species, discussion questions, and writing prompts are appended. Glos. Review covers these Wild Rescue titles: Rainforest Rescue and Poacher Panic.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(2) YA In a series of flashbacks, eighteen-year-old Flora recalls her childhood in a dreary boarding school in Borneo. In lyrical and almost sensuous prose, the heat, smells, and luxuriant growth of the island are described and provide a vivid background to a rather slender story line. The author has told a tale more imbued with mood and innuendo than with dramatic tension.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: June, 1982

(4) YA When the orangutan reserve run by Tay's parents is attacked by rebels, she, her brother Donny, and the wise orangutan Uncle escape into the bush. Tay is actually a clone of her parents' friend, a fact that seems grafted on the story rather than playing an integral part. Too many bioethical issues are attempted in this novel, but the survival theme may keep readers involved.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(4) K-3 In the second story about Seymour Sleuth, the detective travels to Borneo to discover who is threatening Dr. Tann's search for the mysterious Black Flower. The illustrations and text form the pages of his casebook, complete with dirt smudges and photos of clues. While the amusing text drops enough hints for readers to guess the culprit's identity, the story's logic falters somewhat at the end.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert