WHEN THE MOUNTAINS ROARED BY JESS BUTTERWORTH

12-year-old Ruby comes home from school one day and is told by her father that they are moving to India – today. Along with her grandmother, her dog Polly, and an unexpected furry guest, they will sail across the ocean, board trains and buses until they reach a remote village in the Himalayas where her father is to be manager of a hotel. Ruby doesn’t want to leave Australia. Ever since her mother died, her home is the place where she still feels a connection.

The family arrives at the extremely rundown hotel and are told to watch out for bears and leopards. Ruby becomes friends with a local boy, Preveen who tells her about the Goddess Durga and how she is haunting the area. Goats go missing, a strange green glowing light is seen in the forest and a fire nearly wipes out the village. For a girl who, since her mother’s death, is afraid of the dark and of sleeping and never waking up, the future is not looking bright.

The owners of the hotel seem totally disinterested in the work that her father has put into getting it ready for its first guests and insist that no one be employed to help them. Ruby and Preveen grow suspicious and follow them one day. They discover their dark secret and together, plan how to catch them out. Ruby with her camera will get evidence they can take to the police. Together, along with some help from her Grandma, they trek through the mountains to catch their human prey.

Jess Butterworth has created a wonderful image of Ruby’s life in the Himalayas. The sounds and colours and many animals and insects that inhabit her world are exciting and sometimes a little daunting. Ruby proves to herself that she is stronger than she thinks and that family is family no matter where you live.

For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Number of Pages: 282 in paperback.

Published: April 2018

Themes: Grief, family, animal poaching and friendship.

Rating: 3/5

I wish: I could take great photos.