The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail

Wanzu Sets Sail is an interesting start to a series of stories about the Elementals, a group of young friends who use their superpowers to harness the energy of Fire and Water, and the power of Earth and Air, to help them to nurture and protect the natural world.

Taking the trend for factual fiction in short novels, Love Ssega has imagined a likeable group of young elementals who are learning to use their developing powers to care for our world. The story moves quickly and tension builds as the floods threaten to overwhelm Sealand. Can Wanzu and his friends prevent catastrophe and save their home? They must learn to work together, use all of their skills and remember the advice of everyone they meet.

This is a fun story with a good balance of adventure and information. Ideal for newly confident readers the short chapters and frequent illustrations make this novel accessible and fun. I Look forward to the rest of the series and I think you will too!

144 pages / Reviewed by Tina Derry, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail is the amazing first book in the Elementals series by Love Ssega. This carefully written early chapter book combines all of the elements that you would be looking for from a fantastic children's book -  adventure, friendship, discovery and the amazing outdoors. Erika Meza's detailed black and white illustrations add to the feeling of action and excitement.

I love the ethos built between the characters using phrases like "always work together", and referring back to what they have done before to inform what actions they take. These are such great life lessons.

In school this wonderful book could be used as a group reading book, where you could focus on plot, vocabulary and character development. Pupils would enjoy this as a class text or to read it for pleasure on their own. I look forward to reading more by this exciting author.

144 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+