Elemental Heroes: Hydrogen Showdown product reviews

As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny and informative, offering a totally new perspective on science from a most creative point of view. The main characters, twins Sophie and Joey, are suitably relatable for young readers: although their ages are not specified in the text, I would estimate them to be around eleven years of age. Old enough to have some common sense and the ability to cope with ever changing situations and dangers while still young enough to have plenty in common with the reader.

The challenges offered by the different inhabitants of Elemental Land are no problem for the children who work together to address each new threat with a combination of diplomacy and charm. The first beings they encounter, the young hydrogens, are curious about their human visitors. They love to play, frequently blowing themselves up for the fun of it before reassembling themselves transformer style. The twins are initially surprised but quickly realise that the hydrogens are not unfriendly.

As the children progress towards their goal, the Elementals they encounter become less friendly. Having found Medic Iron and Queen Gold and confirmed their mission, they meet the neons and then the older hydrogens - and finally Hydro, the biggest threat of all. Add to the mix an exotic environment where petrified and treacherous forests together with a toxic lake pose threats of their own and it is clear that the children are in constant danger if they do not remain alert at all times.

I was glad that there is a map of Elemental Land included at the start of the book. The journey begins in the Mystical Swamp, and as long as the map is followed, it should be easy for the children to reach the Golden Palace to meet up with Queen Gold. Unfortunately, the Wandering River that they are supposed to follow is not identified by name on the map, so when they leave the palace to find the Waterfall Caves (Hydro's home), they have to rely on travelling between the Treacherous Forest and the Toxic Lake without getting too close to either.

Although the book is aimed at children seven years of age and older, I feel it would be a difficult read for many younger ones. Miss Seven was interested but she found it a challenge. She is a capable reader and is enjoying what she has read so far, but she is still making her way through it. In another year or so it will be more accessible. The first chapter is rather technical and might scare away some less able readers. However, Miss Seven did wonder how the children had been selected for their mission as they seemed very young for such a responsibility.

My cousin's son, who is three years older, asked if he could read it too and he quickly reported back that he really liked it. Being ten meant that he was able to read and assimilate the more difficult concepts much more readily. He particularly enjoyed the last section where there is an excellent section of Fun Facts designed for the budding scientist. Hydrogen, Iron and Gold each have a page with relevant information. Mr Ten assured me that he had learned several new facts which he would use to impress his classmates at school. Meanwhile, Miss Seven is determined to read to the end - but at her own pace.