Elizabeth Thompson

Cockroach Heaven by Carol Jenkins (2020), reviewed by Elizabeth Coleman “...even the most unwanted creature has its own appeal…” Cockroach Heaven is a characterful tale of humans, animals, relationships and also about phobia, with 10-yr old Ollie going on a trip to Sydney. This story has a bright, believable style; it is sharp and amusingly observant. The dialogue is distinctively 10-yr old - quirky and recognisable. There’s no pandering to delicate sensibilities in this tale of resilience, of using curiosity to overcome a tangible fear. Carol Jenkins has talent as a teacher and a writer and clearly has a good ear. She knows how to interest her audience in a lively way. She does not disguise a common fear or talk down to her readers. Neither does she preach. It is written in a first-person narrative enhanced by Lauren Gilberd’s sensitive artwork, in particular her depiction of the wide-eyed hero/narrator, Ollie, and his nemesis cockroaches which are big and definitely black. The edition is bold, gutsy and a good size, courageous in its own way. I would recommend this book for the junior section of your bookcase. Many a young reader will find reality and delight in its pages. (And the additional facts about cockroaches fascinated this older reader too.) [Also published by Carol Jenkins: The Puriri tree and The Little Houhere tree, 2016]