The Boy Who Talked to Animals: Inside Jaco Jacobs' Wild New Middle Grade Adventure!
Perfect for readers who love high-stakes fantasy, talking animals, and thrilling quests! Available in both English and Afrikaans, and featuring fantastic black-and-white illustrations by Iain Rennie throughout.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with Jaco Jacobs' latest middle grade masterpiece, The Lightning Bird (also available as Die Weerligvoël). This thrilling fantasy-adventure is packed with mystery, a unique hero, and a high-stakes mission that will have young readers turning pages long past their bedtime.
What if you could talk to animals? Not just understand barks and meows, but genuinely communicate, building bonds that defy explanation? For Timo, this isn't a fantasy – it's his reality. Since he was little, he's possessed this extraordinary, if slightly peculiar, talent. And while it's mostly involved understanding the exasperated sighs of his clever pet rat, Lucky, their unusual connection is about to launch them into an adventure of epic proportions.
When Timo and Lucky inadvertently make news headlines, their quiet life is shattered. Suddenly, a world-famous, reclusive billionaire is hunting for Timo. But why? And what mind-blowing, ancient secret could she possibly be hiding on her private island? This isn't just a local mystery; it's a global quest that Timo has only ever encountered within the pages of his favourite books.
Enter Kayah, a mysterious girl with a dire warning: "Pundu is one of the last of his kind... And you, Timo, are probably our only chance to save them." This isn't just about animals anymore; it's about a legendary species, known as the Pundu or Lightning Birds, on the brink of extinction. Timo, the boy who whispers to creatures, is now humanity's last hope. He must navigate an ocean of danger, uncover the billionaire's sinister plot, and embrace the very talent that has always made him different.
He can talk to animals. Now he has to save a legend.
Fans of high-stakes fantasy, stories with heart, and animal companions will find themselves completely immersed in Timo's world. Jaco Jacobs, the prolific and award-winning author of over 280 children's books (with nearly two million copies sold!), once again proves his mastery of captivating storytelling for young readers. His ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply has earned him 47 awards and two Carnegie Medal nominations.
Adding to the magic are the incredible black-and-white illustrations by Iain Rennie, which are woven throughout the book. Rennie's distinctive style, combining detailed linework with a touch of cartoon and dark humour, brings Timo's journey and the mystical world of the Lightning Birds vividly to life. Born in Johannesburg, Iain's artistic influences range from old masters like Albrecht Dürer to contemporary artists like Jamie Hewlett, ensuring every page is a visual treat.
The Lightning Bird (and Die Weerligvoël) is more than just a book; it's an invitation to believe in the extraordinary, to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to discover the hero within.
Who is Jaco Jacobs?
Jaco Jacobs is the author of more than 280 children’s books and almost two million copies of his books have been sold. His work has been awarded 47 times and his books were translated to English, Dutch, Italian and Portuguese. He has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal twice and two of his books were adapted to film. Jaco lives in Bloemfontein with his wife, Elize, their daughters, Mia and Emma, three dogs, a cat and a pet python.
Who is Ian Rennie?
Iain Rennie, was born and raised in Johannesburg and can be spotted out and about in the wild suburban jungles of Edenvale, where he currently resides. After a brief stint studying graphic design, Iain moved his studies to video production, being awarded his Bachelor of the Arts in Audiovisual Communication. Iain’s illustration style combines detailed linework with cartoon and dark humour, and is influenced by the works of old masters such as Albrecht Dürer, Franklin Booth, as well as more contemporary artists like Jamie Hewlett, Tim Burton and the works of Laika Studios. When he is not behind a computer or drawing board, Iain likes to punish his knees by running marathons and has completed the Comrades Ultra-Marathon three times. He is also a dog lover and owner, and is an above-average dog-walker.
