The Giant Conker

Classmates Katie, Cassie and Zia are best friends who enjoy playdates outside school. But these are no ordinary playdates, for the three friends, together with Katy’s cat Thunder, are the Playdate Adventure Club. This story, fourth in the Playdate Adventure Club series, begins when the friends meet in the wonderful den Cassie has created under a horse chestnut tree in her garden. It is the tree that inspires their next adventure when a conker lands on their tea set. After a short discussion they decide to go in search of a magical forest containing a conker the size of a house.

The girls hold hands, make a wish and the story begins, with more than a little magic, gigantic trees and talking animals. There is also a strong environmental message about the importance of forests and trees including their contribution to our food, shelter and the air we breathe.

The book includes some beautifully descriptive passages with a rich evocation of the woodland setting; a real celebration of autumn colour and light.

This is a story which may inspire children to build their own den or plan their own playdate. It may also lead them to find out more about forests and deforestation and what they can do to make a difference, for example reusing paper and carrier bags. The back of the book includes key information.

The members of the playdate adventure club are introduced at the beginning of the book for those who haven’t met them before. Any young readers who enjoyed this story could seek out the other three environmental adventure stories in the series.