The Wonderful Stranges by Melanie and Monica Koster

When the Strange family flies into town in their hot air balloon with their bicycle-powered contraptions, goats and chickens, the villagers treat them with suspicion. They are clearly outsiders; Granny has a penchant for possum-fur wear, the children run wild and weave, and the family uses a composting toilet.

But when a storm hits and floods the valley, who is there to save the day?

The Wonderful Stranges celebrates difference, creativity and imagination. It's a sweet little story about inclusion and kindness, with a focus on sustainability, the arts and science.

Told in rhyme, author Melanie Koster has done a great job in making sure the story isn't sacrificed too much for the rhyme. While there are a few spots that might trip a reader up, a first read-through before reading aloud will ensure it flows. There's lots of alliteration, onomatopoeia and interesting words to entertain and make it a delight to read aloud. 

Artist Monica Koster's illustrations are whimsical and rich. She uses deep colours with lots of detail, bringing the Stranges to life on the page. Her characters are full of energy and personality, including the delightful little goat.

This is a wonderful book with a lot of potential, especially in a classroom with so much to explore and dive into. From climate change to sustainability, creativity to innovation, acceptance to embracing difference, this book would make a great jumping off point for students of any age.

The Wonderful Stranges is another great book, from the mother and daughter duo, that celebrates the odd, the weird and the wonderful and encourages us to think about community and climate.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Bateman Books