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Mango & Bambang #4
Superstar Tapir
Mango and Bambang reach for the stars in the fourth book of this charming illustrated series about a little girl and a tapir. Mango and Bambang reach for the stars in the fourth book of this charming illustrated series about a little girl and a tapir, described by The Sunday Times as having "real charm ...reminiscent of Paddington." Both Mango and Bambang are left star-struck when Bambang's cousin comes to town with Hollywood actress Minty Verbena. But when disaster strikes, Bambang is the true star of the show. Superstar Tapir is Book Four in this delightful series for younger readers.
- GenresChildrensChapter Books
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2017
31 people want to read
About the author
Polly Faber
27 books32 followersPolly Faber is a children’s-book blogger and volunteer reading helper through the charity Beanstalk. With her family, she looks after her very own tiny free library outside their house in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 30, 2018
The fourth installment of Mango & Bambang opens with "Snow Day," a delightful short story that celebrates friendship and imagination.
Parents should be advised that some children may find the second story, "A Night at the Fair," too scary. A mummy comes to life to chase our beloved duo, and a villainous character takes out a "scorpion-shaped hairpin" and proceeds to "thrust it hard into Bambang's tummy." This moment is accompanied by two illustrations, one of Bambang being poked in the tummy, and the other of Bambang laying on his side with a drop of blood (depicted in grey) falling from the small hole in his belly.
One of the best uses of the stylish black-and-white illustrations paired with accents of orange is featured in the third story, "Rocket to the Moon."
The fourth and final story, "A Tiny Tapir's Tears," sees the return of Bambang's annoying little cousin, Guntur, and is perhaps the least enjoyable short story of all four books. It's an unfortunate way to conclude this series; however, the final page leaves a warm and fuzzy glow in one's heart.
Parents should be advised that some children may find the second story, "A Night at the Fair," too scary. A mummy comes to life to chase our beloved duo, and a villainous character takes out a "scorpion-shaped hairpin" and proceeds to "thrust it hard into Bambang's tummy." This moment is accompanied by two illustrations, one of Bambang being poked in the tummy, and the other of Bambang laying on his side with a drop of blood (depicted in grey) falling from the small hole in his belly.
One of the best uses of the stylish black-and-white illustrations paired with accents of orange is featured in the third story, "Rocket to the Moon."
The fourth and final story, "A Tiny Tapir's Tears," sees the return of Bambang's annoying little cousin, Guntur, and is perhaps the least enjoyable short story of all four books. It's an unfortunate way to conclude this series; however, the final page leaves a warm and fuzzy glow in one's heart.
January 23, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
A little girl named Mango and her best friend Tapir get up to lots of adventures in this lovely little children’s book. The book is split into four stories, Snow Day, A Night at the Fair, Rocket to the Moon and A Tiny Tapir’s Tears, which all follow on from one another.
Superstar Tapir is the fourth book in the series. Whilst I haven’t read the other three, it didn’t really matter as this book could be read as a stand-alone.
The illustrations are all in black, white and a mustard yellow colour to match the front cover. Some are full page, others are dotted around the writing. They are all perfectly drawn and make the book stand out. They will also help children visually imagine the fun the two friends are having.
The book was a sweet, easy, laid back read, over four amusing stories. Although the Tapir can talk, this is not fairy-tale, it is a book about a clever young girl and her best friend enjoying lots of adventures. The two clearly have a lovely friendship.
A little girl named Mango and her best friend Tapir get up to lots of adventures in this lovely little children’s book. The book is split into four stories, Snow Day, A Night at the Fair, Rocket to the Moon and A Tiny Tapir’s Tears, which all follow on from one another.
Superstar Tapir is the fourth book in the series. Whilst I haven’t read the other three, it didn’t really matter as this book could be read as a stand-alone.
The illustrations are all in black, white and a mustard yellow colour to match the front cover. Some are full page, others are dotted around the writing. They are all perfectly drawn and make the book stand out. They will also help children visually imagine the fun the two friends are having.
The book was a sweet, easy, laid back read, over four amusing stories. Although the Tapir can talk, this is not fairy-tale, it is a book about a clever young girl and her best friend enjoying lots of adventures. The two clearly have a lovely friendship.
June 29, 2019
This is as you can see a book for very young readers, but the reason I picked it up was that I heard about it (another volume in the series, actually) from a friend’s review and not only did the stories sound charming, the illustrations/artwork was what caught my eye—pages in distinctive stripes, and all the art in black, white, grey, and one specific colour—in this case, yellow/orange (the colour of a ripe mango). Mango and Bambang is a series of (so far) four books featuring the adventures of a ‘calm and clever’ little girl Mango Allsorts, and her friend, a ‘daring and devoted’ tapir Bambang. This, the fourth in the series, is a collection of four short stories, connected somewhat in that each story starts off where the previous left off, but is essentially a complete story in itself. In the stories in this collection, Mango creates for Bambang who has never seen snow, his very own snow day, complete with the experience of falling snow but in a very special way; Mango’s father, who balances books for much of the time, takes a break and takes Mango and Bambang to the fair, which smells of popcorn and sugar, here the friends enjoy the rides while Mango’s father takes a turn at the hoopla, but there’s also trouble as the two run into an old enemy, in no less than a mummy’s tent; Bambang’s friend, the little dog Rocket has always been interested in space, and when she disappears having set out to travel to the moon, Mango and Bambang must find her and make sure she is safe; and in the final story, the two are invited to the premiere of Bambang’s cousin, Guntur’s movie, ‘A Tiny Tapir’s Tears’ and while Bambang is impressed with his little but somewhat puffed-up cousin’s many talents, Mango makes him realise that he isn’t an ordinary tapir either.
This certainly was as charming a collection of stories as my friend had said in her review. I enjoyed them all—though if I had to pick a favourite, may be it would be the snow day. I loved the friendship between Mango and Bambang, and how they always stand by and help each other, in every situation, whether it is an adventure where they are escaping a villain, helping a friend, or simply making each other realise their true worth. The stories are as I said, complete in themselves, but there are also connections with stories from earlier books—friends they have met in the past, villains they have encountered, and such, so if one reads these as a series, these would add to one’s enjoyment, though reading a later book first doesn’t spoil one’s fun in any way (I have only read this one). And (I have sort of said this already in my Shelf Control post) there’s lots to love about the book in terms of the artwork as well. I liked the illustrations and style very much, and also the whole design of the book—the tiny tapirs covering the front and back inner pages, the illustrated ‘cast of characters’ (or at least of main characters) at the beginning, and the distinctive striped pages with illustrations at the beginning of each story. This was a sweet and pleasant read (quick too), and I’m sure if you enjoy children’s books, you will love this one as well!
This certainly was as charming a collection of stories as my friend had said in her review. I enjoyed them all—though if I had to pick a favourite, may be it would be the snow day. I loved the friendship between Mango and Bambang, and how they always stand by and help each other, in every situation, whether it is an adventure where they are escaping a villain, helping a friend, or simply making each other realise their true worth. The stories are as I said, complete in themselves, but there are also connections with stories from earlier books—friends they have met in the past, villains they have encountered, and such, so if one reads these as a series, these would add to one’s enjoyment, though reading a later book first doesn’t spoil one’s fun in any way (I have only read this one). And (I have sort of said this already in my Shelf Control post) there’s lots to love about the book in terms of the artwork as well. I liked the illustrations and style very much, and also the whole design of the book—the tiny tapirs covering the front and back inner pages, the illustrated ‘cast of characters’ (or at least of main characters) at the beginning, and the distinctive striped pages with illustrations at the beginning of each story. This was a sweet and pleasant read (quick too), and I’m sure if you enjoy children’s books, you will love this one as well!
April 26, 2020
'And, with a few more adventures along the way, it's quite possible that they lived happily ever after.'
Another beautiful Mango and Bambang book <3
Another beautiful Mango and Bambang book <3
January 14, 2018
Aww, I love Bambang the tapir! Mango, a girl who’s good at all sorts of things, and Bambang the tapir are the best of friends and they prove just how amazing their friendship is as they get up to all sorts of adventures. This paperback book is a pocket size, being smaller than A5, and has some lovely metallic bronze stripes on the cover. Inside the pages are made of thick paper and have lots of illustrations among the text of the story. ‘Superstar Tapir’ is the fourth book in the ‘Mango & Bambang’ series and although I haven’t read the other three books in the series, I’ve really enjoyed reading this one.
The book is made up of four shorter stories, each following on from the previous. In the first story ‘Snow Day’ Bambang sees Mango’s snow globe and wonders what snow is like. Mango finds a way to help Bambang find out. This tale is a very lovely example of friendship and I can’t help but love Bambang’s snow hat!
In the second story ‘A Night at the Fair’ Mango and Bambang go to the fair and have a wonderful time, but could something go wrong? I really enjoyed this story, especially what happens towards the end and the funny candy floss issue Bambang had!
In the third story ‘Rocket to the Moon’ Bambang’s friend Rocket the dog is determined to make it to the moon but when Rocket is missing Bambang starts to wonder if she really is on the moon. I love this story so much, it touched my heart and it also made me laugh, especially the illustration of Bambang posing!
In the last story, ‘A Tiny Tapir’s Tears’, Bambang’s cousin Guntur, the baby tapir, is a star on the big screen but Bambang worries about meeting Guntur, given how boisterous he can be. I loved the ending to this story, it was also funny, and you can’t help but fall in love with Bambang and his cute cousin.
All four stories feature Mango and her best friend Bambang the tapir who is just such a sweet character you can’t help but love this book! I didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this, and I soon found out that the humans in the story and the animals, Bambang, Rocket and Guntur, can all talk and understand each other. Each of the four stories is not only fun to read but there are some really lovely moments, heart warming moments, showing friendship and how wonderful Bambang is, who is a bit shy and at times a little scared of doing things. There’s something really sweet and charming about this book and I loved all four stories, especially all the different hats Bambang has. Each tale also ends in a positive way with the last one putting a big smile on my face as the ending was just so perfect.
The illustrations probably have a lot to do with why this book is so appealing. It’s not every day a tapir is the star of a story but Bambang just looks so cute and quite realistically drawn too, but done in a way that you just can’t help but fall in love with this cute character (how many times have I said that now! 😍). I love the expressions Bambang makes and the way his snout looks! The pictures all follow a simple colour palette of various shades of grey, black, white and an orange/yellow colour. I’m guessing this colour is there because it’s mango colour. The simply coloured pictures fit perfectly though and show what’s happening in each picture well. I love all the illustrations in this book, not only of Bambang’s various poses, facial expressions and his different hats but I also like the way the images are quite simple, and yet have enough detail in them as well as looking funny or very cute depending on the moment.
Reading this fourth book in the series has made me want to read the first three! I’d recommend this book to all children, especially those who enjoy a bit of humour and a lovely tale. I’d also recommend it anyone older, with a soft spot for this tapir as you can’t help but love him and the fun adventures he and his best friend Mango get up to.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
The book is made up of four shorter stories, each following on from the previous. In the first story ‘Snow Day’ Bambang sees Mango’s snow globe and wonders what snow is like. Mango finds a way to help Bambang find out. This tale is a very lovely example of friendship and I can’t help but love Bambang’s snow hat!
In the second story ‘A Night at the Fair’ Mango and Bambang go to the fair and have a wonderful time, but could something go wrong? I really enjoyed this story, especially what happens towards the end and the funny candy floss issue Bambang had!
In the third story ‘Rocket to the Moon’ Bambang’s friend Rocket the dog is determined to make it to the moon but when Rocket is missing Bambang starts to wonder if she really is on the moon. I love this story so much, it touched my heart and it also made me laugh, especially the illustration of Bambang posing!
In the last story, ‘A Tiny Tapir’s Tears’, Bambang’s cousin Guntur, the baby tapir, is a star on the big screen but Bambang worries about meeting Guntur, given how boisterous he can be. I loved the ending to this story, it was also funny, and you can’t help but fall in love with Bambang and his cute cousin.
All four stories feature Mango and her best friend Bambang the tapir who is just such a sweet character you can’t help but love this book! I didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this, and I soon found out that the humans in the story and the animals, Bambang, Rocket and Guntur, can all talk and understand each other. Each of the four stories is not only fun to read but there are some really lovely moments, heart warming moments, showing friendship and how wonderful Bambang is, who is a bit shy and at times a little scared of doing things. There’s something really sweet and charming about this book and I loved all four stories, especially all the different hats Bambang has. Each tale also ends in a positive way with the last one putting a big smile on my face as the ending was just so perfect.
The illustrations probably have a lot to do with why this book is so appealing. It’s not every day a tapir is the star of a story but Bambang just looks so cute and quite realistically drawn too, but done in a way that you just can’t help but fall in love with this cute character (how many times have I said that now! 😍). I love the expressions Bambang makes and the way his snout looks! The pictures all follow a simple colour palette of various shades of grey, black, white and an orange/yellow colour. I’m guessing this colour is there because it’s mango colour. The simply coloured pictures fit perfectly though and show what’s happening in each picture well. I love all the illustrations in this book, not only of Bambang’s various poses, facial expressions and his different hats but I also like the way the images are quite simple, and yet have enough detail in them as well as looking funny or very cute depending on the moment.
Reading this fourth book in the series has made me want to read the first three! I’d recommend this book to all children, especially those who enjoy a bit of humour and a lovely tale. I’d also recommend it anyone older, with a soft spot for this tapir as you can’t help but love him and the fun adventures he and his best friend Mango get up to.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
September 18, 2018
In the latest collection of adventures with Mango and Bambang, Mango gives Bambang a surprise snow day even though their city doesn't get snow. Then Mango's father takes them to the fair where the Egyptian exhibit tent proves scarier than expected. After that, Rocket comes over and watches a show about the moon with the friends and becomes a little too obsessed with going to the moon herself. And finally, Guntar comes back to visit for his Hollywood debut party.
I love how Mango creates a snow day that any kid could enjoy. It's a creative, easy to do activity. I think students here in Thailand will be thrilled that they could have a snow day too. The fair adventure gets a little tense when a certain former neighbor shows up, but never fear, Mango's Dad can handle things. It also provides a good opportunity to talk to kids about how to respond if someone tries to hurt them or kidnap them. (Don't worry everyone is ok in the story, and Mango responds well.) Rocket's adventure is exciting and a little mystery for Mango and Bambang to solve, while Bambang shows growth in his self-confidence when Guntar visits. Right now this is the end of the Mango & Bambang series, but I sure hope Faber writes more of them. They are such delightful stories. Highly recommended to any readers who like friendship adventures and animal stories.
I love how Mango creates a snow day that any kid could enjoy. It's a creative, easy to do activity. I think students here in Thailand will be thrilled that they could have a snow day too. The fair adventure gets a little tense when a certain former neighbor shows up, but never fear, Mango's Dad can handle things. It also provides a good opportunity to talk to kids about how to respond if someone tries to hurt them or kidnap them. (Don't worry everyone is ok in the story, and Mango responds well.) Rocket's adventure is exciting and a little mystery for Mango and Bambang to solve, while Bambang shows growth in his self-confidence when Guntar visits. Right now this is the end of the Mango & Bambang series, but I sure hope Faber writes more of them. They are such delightful stories. Highly recommended to any readers who like friendship adventures and animal stories.
January 3, 2018
This is such a funny little book filled with colourful illustrations and four little tales of adventures with Bambang the Tapir and his friend Mango. Whilst this is the fourth instalment into the adventures of Bambang, it really didn't matter that I hadn't read the others before it - the stories each standalone just fine. Incidentally, these four tales all link together nicely so it still feels like you're reading a book instead of little short stories, but also allows for nice breaks between each to make it less daunting for newer readers.
This time Mango and Bambang are having some real fun! Bambang has never seen snow, so Mango comes up with the plan to make the snow come to Bambang instead. This first story is really sweet and I loved the illustrations. Later they head off for their experience of the fair, then try to get to the moon and later meet some superstars - but of course, things do not always go to plan and they get into a spot of bother along the way!
A really wonderful, almost pocket sized, book filled with lovely and funny illustrations and four engaging stories; Bambang is the sort of lovable character you'd want a cuddly toy of - it's hard not to love him.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This time Mango and Bambang are having some real fun! Bambang has never seen snow, so Mango comes up with the plan to make the snow come to Bambang instead. This first story is really sweet and I loved the illustrations. Later they head off for their experience of the fair, then try to get to the moon and later meet some superstars - but of course, things do not always go to plan and they get into a spot of bother along the way!
A really wonderful, almost pocket sized, book filled with lovely and funny illustrations and four engaging stories; Bambang is the sort of lovable character you'd want a cuddly toy of - it's hard not to love him.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2018
Fourth and seemingly final in the series really brings home the message of friendship in this again collection of shorter stories together, and with the same style, and with continuity, knowing where it was from and where it wanted to go. It could have had more entries, but maybe they felt it was enough or maybe there will be more in the future?
November 5, 2018
Violet and I love the illustrations and the way these books are written - beautiful, a bit retro, whimsical, and lovely across both forms. This one ratcheted up the peril in the middle two stories in a way that I didn’t think was necessary (Bambang being hurt by the baddie, and Rocket almost starving), but we’ll still look for the next in the series (if there are more).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2017
I love the characters in these books, and this one is delightful.
May 31, 2017
Lovely, love this series, may be the best yet.
June 13, 2017
Fun kids book you can find only in England. The Tapir is the star and I have a fondness for this animal so of course any new book in the series I am all over
July 15, 2017
These books just keep getting better. Love them.
June 20, 2019
The book was funny. I like mango and Banbang friendship.
April 19, 2021
Very sweet. I really appreciate the fact that Mango’s papa is never shown, so any child reading this can imagine their own parent in his stead. Favorite line: “the face of Cleopatra made out of breakfast cereal.”
May 5, 2017
The newest Mango & Bambang book, and boy was I delighted when my pre-order landed in my mailbox.
Like the other book this book has several short stories which, delightfully, connect together. For instance the tie that Bambang gets in the Night at the Fair story makes a comeback at the last story. Same with the snow and snowday stuff. It all comes back, and I just adore that the author decided to do that.
Also like the others is the colour theme. This time it is orange! Such a bright colour, and also perfect for this season here (we just had Kingsday last week here).
Unlike the other reviews however, I wrote a short review for each story and also gave each story their own star-rating. In the end I will post the average star-rating.
Snow Day: 5 stars. This was extremely adorable. I loved that Mango did all that for her best friend. A whole snow day for him, just like that. Instead of real snow she thought of all sorts of other things that looked like it, felt like it, and tasted like it. I had quite a laugh at what happened at the hill. (Also was the ice cream man waiting for them? He held the same ice cream our group holds later.) I do hope that Mango and Bambang will have a snow day together one day, a real one. So they can sled the right way, and not with a very wobbly cart.
A Night At The Fair: 4 stars. It was quite fun, but I wasn't all too happy to see that person again, and to see what heinous things she was up to once again. I did love what happened at the end, it was all quite exciting and oh my!
We also saw a bit more of dad, well, OK, more as in appearance-wise. We don't really see much of him except an arm. :P
I thought it was really sweet of the dad to take Mango and Bambang to the fair, and also he really was a master of the hoopla. I loved how Bambang was at first fearful, but then dared to go into quite a few rides. Go go Bambang! All in all a really fun story.
Rocket to the Moon: 3 stars. Eh, Rocket stupidity again. Overall the story was good (especially the Rocket-less bits, or the parts were Rocket wasn't gung-ho about the space stuff), but Rocket was just being an idiot. How did she even get up there? Our group had to travel by elevator, and I am quite sure that anyone would notice a dog travelling with them. Plus how did she survive a few days with that helmet on?
A Tiny Tapir's Tears: 4 stars, but not due to Guntur, but due to the fun premiere, the movie, the little details, and what Mango did.
URghhhhh Guntur. And of course he is acting like a total twit, just like he did when we first met him. I find him really selfish, and I think it is pretty stupid of Mini to go with it, instead of just sticking to her plans. :| You are just spoiling him and making everything worse.
But Guntur aside, I love the movie premiere, the little things that happened there and how Mango stayed calm, and explained how things worked to Bambang so he could also realise it wasn't that exciting or that he needed to be so afraid (he was quite a bit worked up about the movie). I loved seeing his little tie and cake hat again.
The ending was really sweet, and I am happy (at least for Mango and Bambang) how it ended!
Of course the book is still full of illustrations that really compliment the story and make it even more fun to read. :)
All in all, I enjoyed this book, and I do hope that our friends will have many more stories and adventures on their way. I will look forward to them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Like the other book this book has several short stories which, delightfully, connect together. For instance the tie that Bambang gets in the Night at the Fair story makes a comeback at the last story. Same with the snow and snowday stuff. It all comes back, and I just adore that the author decided to do that.
Also like the others is the colour theme. This time it is orange! Such a bright colour, and also perfect for this season here (we just had Kingsday last week here).
Unlike the other reviews however, I wrote a short review for each story and also gave each story their own star-rating. In the end I will post the average star-rating.
Snow Day: 5 stars. This was extremely adorable. I loved that Mango did all that for her best friend. A whole snow day for him, just like that. Instead of real snow she thought of all sorts of other things that looked like it, felt like it, and tasted like it. I had quite a laugh at what happened at the hill. (Also was the ice cream man waiting for them? He held the same ice cream our group holds later.) I do hope that Mango and Bambang will have a snow day together one day, a real one. So they can sled the right way, and not with a very wobbly cart.
A Night At The Fair: 4 stars. It was quite fun, but I wasn't all too happy to see that person again, and to see what heinous things she was up to once again. I did love what happened at the end, it was all quite exciting and oh my!
We also saw a bit more of dad, well, OK, more as in appearance-wise. We don't really see much of him except an arm. :P
I thought it was really sweet of the dad to take Mango and Bambang to the fair, and also he really was a master of the hoopla. I loved how Bambang was at first fearful, but then dared to go into quite a few rides. Go go Bambang! All in all a really fun story.
Rocket to the Moon: 3 stars. Eh, Rocket stupidity again. Overall the story was good (especially the Rocket-less bits, or the parts were Rocket wasn't gung-ho about the space stuff), but Rocket was just being an idiot. How did she even get up there? Our group had to travel by elevator, and I am quite sure that anyone would notice a dog travelling with them. Plus how did she survive a few days with that helmet on?
A Tiny Tapir's Tears: 4 stars, but not due to Guntur, but due to the fun premiere, the movie, the little details, and what Mango did.
URghhhhh Guntur. And of course he is acting like a total twit, just like he did when we first met him. I find him really selfish, and I think it is pretty stupid of Mini to go with it, instead of just sticking to her plans. :| You are just spoiling him and making everything worse.
But Guntur aside, I love the movie premiere, the little things that happened there and how Mango stayed calm, and explained how things worked to Bambang so he could also realise it wasn't that exciting or that he needed to be so afraid (he was quite a bit worked up about the movie). I loved seeing his little tie and cake hat again.
The ending was really sweet, and I am happy (at least for Mango and Bambang) how it ended!
Of course the book is still full of illustrations that really compliment the story and make it even more fun to read. :)
All in all, I enjoyed this book, and I do hope that our friends will have many more stories and adventures on their way. I will look forward to them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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