In fantasy, Africa, animals wonderful family listening. Her ability to capture the varieties of South Africanĭialect and mix them with the voices of the British characters lends a Andoh's fully voiced reading isĪbsolutely superb.

Indomitable, courageous Martine in fantastical activities both dangerousĪnd unimaginable for a 13-year-old. The fast-paced and suspenseful action often engages the After the adventurous Martine meets a shy, magical white giraffe, their adventures togetherĬontribute to Martine's growing love for the animals and wildness Martine can see in the reserve from her window. John was a child living in Zimbabwe, Africa, she owned several wild animals including a giraffe. John picked out a giraffe for the story because she always wanted to ride one. It is the first in the African Adventures series. Would be unbearable if not for Africa itself, especially the animals The White Giraffe is a children's novel by Lauren St John first published in 2006. Grandmother Gwen confronts bereft Martine with lots of rulesĪnd restrictions, and little love or sympathy. See search resultsfor this author Lauren St John(Author) 4. Known, who lives at Sawubono, a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary nearĬapetown. The White Giraffe Series: Operation Rhino: Book 5 Paperback Octoby Lauren St John (Author) Visit Amazon's Lauren St John Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Martine travels to South Africa to live with her only living relative, a grandmother she has never Her burning home in Hampshire, England only to learn that her parents The story opens as 11-year-old Martine Allen narrowly escapes from

Explore Martine’s emotions through drama.

What is the difference between a legend and a myth? Spot/discuss similes ( ‘like plump, speckled kings’). ‘The young springboks were jumping around…’ tells us far less. Eg: ‘The young springboks were bouncing around…’ reflects both Martine’s happy mood and how agile and light springboks are. Try replacing these words with less interesting ones.

Explore how the author uses powerful adjectives and interesting verbs to paint a vivid picture.

Are Martine’s parents with her? How do we know? What suggests that Martine has come to live permanently in Africa? How is she reacting to her new home? Distinguish between explicit information ( ‘She was already falling in love with it’ or ‘Her bedroom, too, was a bit special’) and implicit suggestions – eg, the sun warms her skin, she takes in the ‘heady’ smells she remembers England as grey, cold and gloomy.

(Martine has just come to live in Africa with her grandmother and is describing what she has seen.)

After reading, summarise what is happening.Invite children to read a paragraph each. Read the introductory paragraph, modelling intonation and pace.Shared learning and teaching Reading and responding

Martine the white giraffe