Kingdom of Blong is the fifth in the Elastic Island Adventures children’s book series for children aged 7 - 12. Kiri, Jed, and twins Emma and Ethan, discover an ‘elastic’ island that sends them pinging across the ocean to a variety of destinations.

 

When they arrive at the Kingdom of Blong, they discover that Blong the Cat is the island’s missing king. Blong is greeted with a great deal of fanfare, but it looks like fame might be the ruin of him. Will Blong’s relationship with Emma continue? And why do the bilbies, led by Baxter the Bilby, decide it is a good idea to live on a dangerous island ruled by cats? Will they end up on the dinner menu, or will they survive?

Suitable for children 7 - 12 years

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'As in many children’s fantasy adventure books the central theme in Elastic Island Adventures: Kingdom of Blong is the battle between good and evil. It is an action-packed thrilling read. But interspersed between the scary parts are lighthearted moments. There is love in the air between two of the bilbies. I think that will make it a much more enjoyable read, especially for younger readers. While tweenies who are undergoing their own emotional changes will be able to guess what is behind Kiri’s emotional outbursts and her awkward relationship with Jed.

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I so admire Karen McMillan’s inventiveness. For the Kingdom of Blong she has again created a cast of fascinating anthropomorphic creatures. Some are purely imaginary like the bilbies. But the sagacious Heathcliff is based on her husband Iain’s real-life pet.

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She has made the cat’s palace into a wondrous place. And to extend young readers’ literary knowledge has playfully inserted plaques all over its walls with feline quotes from famous authors including Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway.

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As a grandparent I heartily recommend this book aimed at 7–12-year-olds. Giving children a good book to read is such a positive way to persuade them to put away their electronic devices for a while. And the adventurous four who are courageous enough to stand up for the weak are great role models.' NZ Booklovers

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'Miss Nine is a consummate fan of the Elastic Island adventures, and was overjoyed to find she was to review the latest in the series with me. The four children and their cat Blong have become almost like members of the family; she speaks of them as if she knows them personally! 

 

High adventure rules in this story. There is a kidnapping, treason, a mystery to be solved, warfare (between cats and bilbies), and plenty of magic. It is real escapist stuff, but with links to the real world through local places (Browns Bay and the Pacific Ocean). There is also the inevitable teasing that goes on within a group when the members all know one another well. Miss Nine loved this; she said the best part of arguments within a family or small friendship group is being able to give one another a hard time while being aware that at the end of the day you are still all there to support one another. Even if your name is Kiri or Ethan! 10/10.' KIWIreviews.nz

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'Karen McMillan returns with another fast-paced, original for readers 8-12 years old.  Action-packed, fast-paced, full of magic and adventure and quirky ideas, Kingdom of Blong is the next fabulous installment in her Elastic Island series.  This book will appeal to long term readers and those more 'reluctant' types.' The Groove Book Report 

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'This series is a lot of fun, easy to read and brings up problems that we humans have in our own society. Reluctant readers will have no problem with these stories.' Bob's Book Blog

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‘This story is another winner from Karen McMillan. Previous books in the series have been very popular with their audience. With Blong being the lead character in this adventure it will no doubt continue the success of this series.' Radio Southland

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‘I have read the other four books in the Elastic Island Adventure series and was excited to be able to read this one. I am a 10-year-old boy who loves reading and read this in two days as the story kept me so interested I didn't want to put it down.

I love the characters as they always find dangerous adventures that have a theme of good versus evil. Kiri, Jed, Emma and Ethan are all different and have varying strengths that they bring to the story. They are a team of best friends and I can imagine some of their adventures being ones that me and my mates would get up to. This story fluctuates between lots of action and adventures.

The story has so much going on and the words make me imagine that I am there alongside them all experiencing this adventure. I am sure you will love it as much as I did and I will be sure to read it again. 10/10’  Nikki, Kiwi Reviews

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'About a third of the way through I realised I was not reading purely to critically review, but was thoroughly enjoying the story and wanted to see what would unfold next.

As I reached for my dictionary I acknowledged that this certainly wasn't the easy-read I anticipated. Is 'bumfuzzle' actually a real word? And what about 'cattywampus' and 'bumbershoot'? I also learned that the name for a cluster of cats is a clowder. That's not to say that this is a difficult book to read, it is certainly not! It has a fabulous balance of everyday words, with some sophisticated vocabulary (such as imperative, perplexed, dejectedly and procrastinating) sprinkled throughout to hold the interest of those who are genuinely fascinated by language.

The action and adventure will appeal to many readers, and cat-lovers will enjoy it immensely. For those who like a little fantasy, there are cats who can moonwalk, talk, sing and perform gymnastic moves. Cats aren't the only animals to feature or have fun and the children experience plenty of action too. Highly recommended.' Read NZ

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‘I really like Kiri, because she sings and I like how she shows her culture through her singing.’ Kenedy

‘I think Jed is cool, because he is smart, athletic, brave and because he is the best character no arguments.’ Tyler

‘I love Blong, because he always caughs up the funny blong-a-gram.’ Grace

‘Jed is my favourite because he is always so brave and keen to go on an adventure.’ Dawid

‘Mr Jollybower is the best as he helped the kids from danger.’ Joshua

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'I've just finished the Elastic Island books, from Jewel Lagoon to the Kingdom Of Blong. I'd like to tell you one of my favorite characters which is Emma. I like her because she is a bookworm like me and has lots of empathy. My favorite book out of the five was the Kingdom Of Blong, it was very creative and I love the story and characters. My favorite animal character is Blong, of course, and also Mrs. Quokka.' Bookworm Clara

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