BOOK REVIEW: Before It's Too Late, by Elaine Mayson.

TITLE: Before It's Too Late
AUTHOR: Elaine Mayson
PUBLISHED BY: Elaine Mayson

This beautifully presented book takes readers to the African plains in the most delightful way. 

Teenager Jazzy is a girl with a difference, she is lucky enough to have a family who own a zoo (“how fantastic” young readers will think), and on top of that she has her own pet chimpanzee (even more fantastic), called Clarissa, and they both love dancing.

Unfortunately, Jazzy’s stepdad decides to return Clarissa to Africa and Jazzy decides to run away to look for her. In doing so, she finds herself involved in the most incredible adventure which young readers will thoroughly enjoy and become immersed in. Jazzy’s love of animals shines through in the story and on her travels she finds she can miraculously understand what the animals are saying and she can communicate with them.

Jazzy ponders on how she can help the animals escape poachers; an environmental issue tackled in the story which will educate young readers, promote discussion and raise awareness of a very important concern for conservationists.

Jazzy journeys to the land of Jobudai with her animal friends where she discover the mysteries of the Magical Land and falls into danger in a wonderful adventure whilst managing to make life-long friends with creatures any girl would be well-jealous about. Her attempt to save the elephants has long-reaching implications and excitement she never imagined.

This is the perfect read for children aged 8-12 years of age, especially those who love animals and have the yearning to travel; additionally, it will introduce them to African landscapes and animals they may never have come across before, being able to learn about them in their own habitat, the African Plains.

The story is interspersed with wonderful drawings which bring the story to life. I loved the large font used for the text and the high quality paper used. The chapters are an ideal length for young readers to manage and to dip in and out of with ease.

The glossary provided at the back of the book is an extra bonus enabling readers to learn more about the animals in the story.

The book is beautifully illustrated and credited to Hristina Mazneska of Cosmic Sparkle Illustrations.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard