Safari Survivor 21: Twisted Journeys

By: Owen & Anne Smith
Pubisher: Graphic Universe
Publication Date: August 2012
ISBN: 978-1575059433
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 2013

It’s way too hot, but that’s to be expected when you’re in Tanzania in March. No problem with your teacher because there’s a lot to learn when you’re going to go on an “African safari with your family.” How cool can it get? It’s not like going to a zoo because you’re protected from those critters. In Tanzania there won’t be “anything between you and the animals.” Endesha warned you not to go all that far from camp because one of those wild cats could make you into a really tasty snack. Yum, yum! Your parents want you to head to a spa for a little mud bath and massage, but no way you’ll want to go there if you have other options.

Endesha explained that you could either go to the Ngorongoro Conservation area or the Serengeti National Park. Just maybe Ngorongo doesn’t sound as exciting as a place “where there will be many young animals, and you can see great herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes,” and other wild animals. You head to your tent to pack your gear and are up and running early in the morning. Endesha asks you to remember a greeting reserved for older people. “Shikamoo!” It should be an awesome adventure ... unless you run into danger or one of those predators you’ve been warned about. It’s going to be one twisted journey, the journey of a lifetime!

This is yet another Twisted Journey that will mesmerize the young reader who journeys into the Serengeti. Of course each journey depends on which way the reader chooses to go. Seemingly innocent moves can be disastrous, while others are totally awesome. If you “make the wrong choice you might end up as breakfast for a hungry lion” in this Twisted Journey. It was fun rescuing a turaco, but looking into the “slavering jaws of the dog” right in front of me was quite another story. Youngsters can create their own story, no two seemingly alike. The colorful artwork, a blend between the graphic novel and individual page illustrations, made this work exciting, alive and very dramatic. If you’ve got a youngster who craves adventure, this series is one you might want to add to your list!

Quill says: The Twisted Journey series is one of those choose your own ending stories that youngsters, including reluctant readers, love to read!