Mango and Bambang the Not-a-Pig by Polly Faber

Ill. by Clara Vulliamy. Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781406361438
(Age: Middle primary students) Highly recommended. Mango Allsorts is a little girl who is often left on her own. She is very busy with her hobbies but her life changes when she comes across a frightened tapir lying in the busy city road. With her usual determination and courage Mango convinces Bambang the tapir (not a pig) to return to her apartment and their friendship blossoms.
The book contains 4 stories describing Mango and Bambang's adventures. This unusual but charming couple help and support each other as true friends do. Mango demonstrates the importance of friendship and being true to yourself while Bambang learns to be strong and not let fears overcome him.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Clara Vullimay's (the daughter of illustrator/ author Shirley Hughes) many endearing black and purple drawings. The cover has instant appeal and will attract readers from 7 to 10 years.
The large amounts of illustration with the text will help newly independent readers and makes the book more attractive to children who are beginning to read longer stories.
This book is the first in a series of collaborations by Polly and Clara featuring Mango and Bambang. They talk about their work in this short film.
I highly recommend this book for middle primary students and look forward to the next in the series.
Jane Moore