Elemental Heroes: Copper Calamities by Chrissy Metge and Karen McMillan

Copper Calamities, the second in the Elemental Heroes series co-written by popular children’s authors Karen McMillan and Chrissy Metge, is another thrilling fantasy story for young readers.

Queen Gold has again requested help from the world leaders to stop the unrest that is happening in Elemental land. This land, which looks like our world but exists in a completely different dimension, is far more dangerous. It is home to elements including gold, iron, copper and hydrogen.

This time, it is the coppers who are causing trouble. Although they already have vast quantities of coins, they have developed an insatiable demand for more. They have recently kidnapped a young iron, are holding him hostage, and are demanding a large ransom in coins. And they are also making audacious plans to invade America and steal the Statue of Liberty which is made of copper. If they succeed it would make them the wealthiest elements in the land. Their greed is out of control!

Twins Joey and Sophie have again been chosen to undertake this mission, as not only are both outstanding sword-fighters, but Joey is exceptionally knowledgeable about science and the elements, and Sophie is very empathetic and has the rare ability to observe and bring about a resolution.

After a perilous journey through the Petrified Forest, and getting caught in rapids as they row across the Wandering River, they reach the copper's tent.

When they look inside, through a flap in the tent, they see coins covering all the walls and many pots overflowing with gold, silver and copper coins on the floor. In the centre stands a small replica of the Statue of Liberty.

When they spot the young iron, who is being kept captive here, they decide to charge into the tent at full speed. They succeed in cutting him loose and tell him to run as quickly as he can and make his escape across the Wandering River in their canoe.

But despite their great sword-fighting skills, they are outnumbered and captured by the coppers, much to the delight of their leader, Cosmin. He wants these young humans to lead the coppers into the real world and help them steal the Statue of Liberty. Sophie cleverly uses her special skills to dissuade him and set them free, but only temporarily. There is a dramatic and unexpected twist in the story, which includes a wild chase and a near drowning, before their mission is finally accomplished.

The brilliant black and white comic-style illustrations in Copper Calamities complement the story and bring the regal and beautiful Queen Gold and the gangly coppers to life. And they perfectly capture the terrified look on the twins' faces as they paddle furiously to keep their canoe from capsizing when they are caught in rapids in the Wandering River.

The accessible language, short chapters and vivid dramatic storytelling make it an excellent book for young independent readers. They are bound to enjoy the copper's silly jokes too. And should they find themselves in a pickle, children can learn from Sophie’s approach how a problem can be solved by staying calm and reasonable.

This fantasy story is also a highly original and playful way to foster children’s curiosity about the nature of elements in the real world and ignite their love of chemistry. And the bite-sized fun facts about copper, gold, iron and hydrogen at the end of the book are bound to help with that.

At the end of the book, Queen Gold tells the twins their help will again be needed as more trouble is brewing in Elemental Land. Swamp Monster Sulphur is completely out of control. So children can look forward to another thrilling adventure in this series.

Reviewer: Lyn Potter

Duckling Publishing