The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage
The Sugarcane Kids
Charlie Archbold
When you least expect it something surprising will spring out and shock you. Like when you study your dead bug shelf and there’s a live huntsman spider sitting on it. Or when your sausage dog turns up on a secret mission…‘It’s Gloria,’ I say. You can feel the shock hover over the fort like a sulphur gas cloud over a volcano.
Gloria the talkative eclectus parrot is missing from the animal sanctuary, and Anna the massive ‘not an anaconda’ Australian scrub python has vanished from her enclosure at the library. Have they escaped? Or were they stolen?
When Andy and the Sugarcane Kids hear about an illegal native-animal trade, they know they have to investigate—and fast! Gloria and Anna are not only much-loved residents of their small coastal town in far north Queensland, but they also have very particular care needs—their lives could be in danger!
Andy, Eli, Harvey and the twins, Bernie and Fletch, along with Andy’s trusty sausage dog Washington, have their eyes on a prime suspect: the Hench, the fierce, mean new canteen lady who is behaving very strangely. Can the Sugarcane Kids follow the clues to discover what is going on? Will they find Gloria and Anna in time? And what unexpected dangers lie in wait for them? Find out in this exciting new Sugarcane Kids adventure.
andThe Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage
‘Another rollicking read where children are given the freedom to roam and spend their days talking, bike riding, problem solving and enjoying their natural environment. The wonderful descriptive language used to describe different habitats add to the whole enjoyment of the story, and with the fabulous use of humour this a highly engaging read that will appeal to many middle grade readers.’
‘A deft exploration of blended families and evolving friendships built around a mystery reminiscent of the adventure stories of old.’
‘A refreshing yet familiar, fun read, hopefully we’ll see more of the Sugarcane Kids in the years to come.’
‘An absolute treat! Charlie Archbold is a natural at writing captivating and fun stories that will keep both children and adults engaged…With a unique Australian setting and a diverse group of friends, this is an adventure story that will appeal to practically every child.’
‘4 stars. This crew is just so lovable! If you are after an adventurous tale filled with animals, this one is for you.’
‘Engaging, and filled with humour as well as mystery…Key messages about friendship, co operation, and conservation…This series will engage the reader on a variety of levels, from friendship to interests, to mystery and everything in between.’
‘An edge-of-your-seat adventure…Authentic and touching…Archbold is a master at creating a setting with as much personality as her excellent characters, and by the end of the story readers will feel like they’ve lived in Far North Queensland their whole lives alongside the Sugarcane Kids.’
‘4.5 stars. For those readers who read the first book, you will want to continue with the adventures of this intrepid group. If you are new to the Sugarcane Kids, they are worth it.’
‘Enormous fun.’
‘A rollicking adventure with lots of information throughout about the care of native wildlife and their habitat too.’
‘A fun read perfectly pitched to the next generation of action lovers.’
‘Combine[s] compelling mystery, adventure and suspense with an underlying message about the importance of friendship and of doing the right thing. ..Archbold’s books feature a diverse group of children and are set in the exotic location of Far North Queensland, and so are much more relatable for young Aussie crime readers…If you have a young relative or friend you’d like to introduce to Aussie crime fiction, look no further than the Sugarcane Kids. Fast-paced and funny, they’re a great read for the young-at-heart too.’
