Wild Summer: Laugh-out-loud Adventure for Ages 8-12

by James DuBern

Fans of David Walliams, M.G. Leonard and Roald Dahl will love this adventure about a girl who builds her own zoo.

★★★★★ "Sends out a message to never give up on your dreams."
★★★★★ "Funny story for kids and adults alike."
★★★★★ "Moves along at a great clip."


Fake it till you make it!

Rosie’s donkey sanctuary isn’t very popular. People want to see lions and gorillas, not rescue ponies and a washed-up race horse. With the bank manager threatening to repossess their home, Rosie and her mum come up with a wild idea; to turn it into a zoo.

There’s one small problem. They don’t have any exotic animals.

The determined duo don’t let that stop them. A horse painted like a zebra. A radio controlled sloth. A robotic python. So the fakery snowballs, until their zoo is packed with animals and delighted visitors.

The trouble is, snowballs have a nasty habit of melting in the hot summer sun.

Read WILD SUMMER now and begin the adventure of a lifetime!

Note that as of September 2023, the word 'hell' does not feature in this book.

Genres: Kids

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2023

Reviews

[Sarah Scowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking on Amazon for books for teenagers and this book was recommended so I ordered it. When I received the book I thought it was for a child and might be suitable for my 7 year old niece. I found out it is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds when I added it to my reading list on here. The blasphemy at the beginning of the book, in my opinion, makes it not suitable for any age group. I am giving 2 stars rather than the 1 I want to give as the story line in the last two or three chapters improves. I would not buy based on Amazons recommendations or buy books from this author again. Does anyone want this book? No, I am not giving this to any person in my family.

[N.L. McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summer read

This is the feelgood story you need to read this summer. It's funny, well written, entertaining and such a page turner. It's crazy antics are great for all ages and I loved the plot. The characters are fantastic, the good ones at least, the bad guys, you'll love to hate them. I highly recommend this read and hope to find more that are like this. I would also have to say that I'd definitely love to visit somewhere like this in real life with owners like our protagonists, it'd be a great day out!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this for my child who was initially not impressed and gave up after 5 chapters, declaring it “horrible.” After some cajoling I persuaded her to give it another go, this time with me reading it at bedtime.

At first I was also uninspired; the first quarter of the book wasn’t that engaging for me either. However, the story grew on both of us as as it unfolded, and there were lots of laughs-out-loud moments for my primary-aged child, particularly in the second half of the book. I’m glad we persisted as it was good, silly fun that works well for the intended age group.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was purchased this book, expecting lots of humor. There definitely is humor, but it builds as you get into the story. I was more impressed with Rosie and her parents as they face and deal with disappointments and obstacles that threaten their hopes and dreams. I loved, loved, loved the outcome!I really hope that someone will someday turn James DuBern’s ideas for a “Knockoff Zoo” into a REAL attraction for kids and families!
Wow!

[matt krumal · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite!

I'm 10 years old and there's not many books I like, but this one is at the top of my list. It made my think about what's going to happen next and that's what a good book should do. It should leave you thinking at the end of each chapter. I read it with my Mom as well and she even liked it! Overall, I enjoyed this book very much.

[Addie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Rosie she was so loving and caring to her mother. The end result to the knockoff zoo sounds awesome I wish that existed so I could go. Near the end when Mariella was revealing that Peter and Elvin Mceadly was working together so Mariella and Rosie would lose their home. At the end when they had more than forty thousand dollars and paid the bank they might as well be rich then.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter read the book first & loved it so much that she asked me to read it. It’s so adorable, funny, and inspiring!! I love how the author mixed real life problems with humor and dig-deep creativity to solve the problem, which included family & friends. Amazing book - especially for the authors first one. Highly recommend for kiddos & adults alike.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I've never read a book with a theme like this one. Very inventive and interesting. The plot moved quickly, without slowing down, and the ending was satisfying.

I bought Wild Summer for my 8-year-old granddaughter. I'm sure she will love it.

[Madeleine Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book to my younger sister to complete her summer reading requirements. Eventually my mom and I both become involved in the story as well. It was some real twists and laughable moments and kept all of hooked until the very end!

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t the most interesting book

[John Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious book

Great summer read. Couldn’t put it down! A real page turner. We want to go to Knockoff Zoo now. Fabulous

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story and great business idea!

[Megan Borman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old LOVED this book! So much fun and great story!

[Evie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

little brother made me read it, ended up loving it

[Coral Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! The plot is a little weird but has great characters.

[Paisley Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good

[Nicole Lainhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with Nyla💕 cute but not that interesting.