The latest book in this Super Questers series continues in its successful marrying of adventure and STEM learning for younger readers. In Mission: Desert Danger by Dr Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Katarina Gasko, children will recognise familiar topics including Ancient Egypt, animals and magic at the same time exploring subjects such as how gears work, basic navigation and desert habitat.

Best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea are visiting their Uncle who lives near the beach and while playing on the sands they are transported back to Questland, the magical kingdom where the children are transformed into superheroes. Once there they find themselves on the banks of a dried up river in the desert. Beside a towering pyramid, they meet Arid the Sand Sprite, who is very upset. Skitter the scarab beetle tells them that Arid’s brother, Rainveil the River Sprite, has been captured by the sneaky archaeologist Professor Vortec along with his beetle friend. The professor plans to destroy the desert in pursuit of ancient treasure. Our three superheroes spring into action and resolve to stop the wicked professor, rescue the Rainveil and Scarab’s friend, Glint and restore the habitat.

Once again this story effectively combines adventure with educational content as information is incorporated within both the narrative and the key fact boxes which appear occasionally throughout the text. For example the children learn the rudiments of navigation via compass points, the way in which gears work in a vehicle, why Egyptians worshipped the scarab beetle and what a mirage is. There are puzzles for the characters, and the readers, to solve which may engage the more reluctant young readers. At the end of the story is a glossary of STEM vocabulary from algorithm to vaporised, and four experiments and activities for children to try either at home or in school. There are step by step instructions provided and they utilise easy to access materials. This is a thoughtfully designed package for young scientists and animal lovers.

The story features likable, diverse characters facing peril and using their STEM skills and teamwork to overcome challenges thus encouraging children reading the book to give things a go, and to learn a little more about how the world around them works. Desert Danger supports the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2 and is pitched at readers of about 6+. At just over 120 pages and with appealing illustrations throughout this would be a good choice for encouraging reading progression. It would also be a valuable book to share in the classroom.

Super Questers Mission Desert Danger will be available from 7th May and I should like to thank the publishers, QuestFriendz, and Claire Morrison for providing my review copy.