Lauren Keenan’s Rimu - The Tree of Time is a captivating sequel in the Amorangi and Millie series, yet it stands quite comfortably on its own. Targeted at readers aged 8-12, this novel brilliantly blends adventure, history, and the concept of time travel to create an engaging and educational experience.
The story kicks off with a relatable dilemma for every family: Amorangi forgets to bring an old object for his school show-and-tell. In a quick decision, he and his sister Millie decide to travel back in time to find something suitable. Their previous time-travelling escapades give them the confidence to embark on this new journey. Amorangi pockets a piece of bark from a nearby rimu tree to ensure their return, setting the stage for an adventure that is both thrilling and perilous.
As the siblings leap through time, they find themselves in the 1860s Taranaki amidst the backdrop of significant historical events. Keenan’s vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail bring the 1860s to life, making readers feel as though they are right there with Amorangi and Millie. The narrative is rich with historical events such as the Taranaki wars, the Tarawera eruption, the Wahine disaster, and quarantine on Matiu/Somes Island. These events are not just mentioned in passing but are developed and integrated as part of the story, providing young readers with a lively and immersive history lesson.
The rimu tree serves as a powerful symbol of time throughout the novel. Keenan cleverly uses the tree to anchor the children’s time-travelling adventures, imagining the myriad changes and events the tree has witnessed over its lifespan. This symbolism is further explored when Amorangi and Millie return to what they believe is the present, only to find the rimu tree gone. This discovery triggers a series of events aimed at reinstating the tree, highlighting the conflict between progress and preservation.
The novel also delves into the idea of ‘progress’ and what it truly means. The felling of the rimu tree by a settler to build houses is portrayed as a form of progress, yet it creates a sense of conflict within the narrative. This theme encourages young readers to think critically about the impact of human actions on the environment and history.
Keenan’s use of time travel as a narrative device is both clever and effective. It allows the story to skip around major events in Aotearoa’s past, making history accessible and engaging for young readers. The pacing of the novel is excellent, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The vivid imagery and lively descriptions make it a wonderful read-aloud book, perfect for classrooms and bedtime stories alike.
Overall, Rimu - The Tree of Time is a delightful blend of adventure, history, and thought-provoking themes. Lauren Keenan has crafted a story that not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s bookshelf. The novel’s ability to bring history to life through the eyes of its young protagonists is commendable, and its exploration of time, progress, and preservation offers plenty of food for thought. Whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Huia Publishers