The Magic Ocean Slide

Katy, Cassie and Zia are best friends (together with Thunder the cat). As a group they enjoy playdates – but these are no ordinary playdates. When they are with each other magical things happen. They may find themselves at the North Pole or blasting into space. Now it is the hottest day of the year; if only they could have a swim. But of course they can as their imagination conjures up a giant flume to take them to the ocean. It should have been perfect – but the ocean proves to be littered with plastic. The sea creatures are suffering. It is up to the three girls (and Thunder) to help.

Reflecting current concerns over climate change and pollution, the Playdate Adventures – this is the third in the series – are designed to engage younger readers with the problems, providing them through the actions of the protagonists with a sense of agency and ideas that they might be able to translate into actions. The writing is accessible and contemporary, the dialogue appropriate, the action brisk and the setting, while allowing for the magic of the imagination, based on reality. There are certainly no unicorns here; the world is full of amazing, magical creatures just as endangered. An enjoyable series to promote to confident KS1 readers.