Author:Chris Ryan
Ben gets the chance for a trip of a lifetime when his mum is invited to attend a big conference in Australia. In the midst of a drought, it's hot.
And it's dry. Drier than it's been for years. And it only takes a spark to set off a fire...
As world leaders gather and a student demo gathers pace, a small flame takes hold - and suddenly an unquenchable fire bursts into life and an inferno of flames up to l00 metres high tear through the streets, threatening homes and lives.
And in the smoke and confusion, an important general is kidnapped! Ben - just learning to fly - finds himself at the controls of a microlite and on the trail of the kidnappers...
Chris Ryan proves once again that he is a master of suspense and brings to life a world of heroic firemen, government scientists and sinister environmentalists
—— John Lloyd , Waterstones Books QuarterlyIt's a good page turner
—— School Library AssociationRyan excels with description
—— Writeaway.org.ukThis beautiful small-format hardback with appropriately zany Quentin Blake illustrations could be popped into the stocking of anyone with a Dahlesque sense of humour
—— Glasgow HeraldWith Quentin Blake's wonderful drawings throughout, this is a splendid holiday title and it conveys, in a deliciously amusing way, an important message about Christmas and family ties
—— Through The Looking GlassFluent readers from 8-11 yrs who enjoy flights of imagination and earthy humour will like both the story and accompanying line drawings
—— Sybil Hannavy , School Library Association