Children's Book review

Sophie and the Albino Camel

By Stephen Davies

Published by Andersen Press

Sophie lives with her father in the African village of Gorom-Gorom. She finds it really hard to make friends: she's the only white child and the other children think she's strange – they just don't know what to say to her. So when a friendly small boy offers to take her on a ride into the Sahara on his beautiful white camel, she just can't resist, even though she knows what her father always tells her: 'Never mess with the Sahara desert!' Before long, Sophie and her new friend are involved in a terrifying adventure, involving the murderous bandit Moussa ag Litni. This book is absolutely delightful. Sophie is a great heroine – clever, and kind and brave; and the story, despite containing a real, page-turning adventure, is as gentle and charming as the albino camel who grins at you comfortably from the front cover.

Reading age: 6+
Interest level: 6-10