Search for the Scarlet Macaws

Wind Riders #2

by Jen Marlin, Izzy Burton (Illustrator)

Hop aboard Wind Rider, a magical sailboat, with Max and Sofia, two kids trying to save the environment one problem at a time. Their second mission? Protecting majestic scarlet macaw chicks in the most biodiverse place on Earth, the Amazon rain forest.

Max and Sofia are ordinary kids whose lives are changed when they discover an abandoned sailboat. They’re given the chance to make a real impact when the boat magically transports them to a different corner of the world to help other kids save their environment.

Genres: Fantasy, Animals, Adventure, Chapter Books, Childrens, Magic, Mystery

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic Tree House with an environmental emphasis. Here our young protagonists are whisked away, not in a tree house, but in a magical boat (with a seagull that fetches them when needed) and taken to distant locations where they help animals in need. The writing style is engaging, I like the descriptions of the location and the way the children take an active role in helping animals. The illustrations are nice. I personally enjoyed this book more than the first. There’s a trusted adult somewhat nearby and, while the kids really could have gotten way over their heads with the potential poachers, fortunately it doesn’t become an issue. I was surprised at the identity of the person attempting to poach the baby macaws and it actually opened up a really thought-provoking point about poachers without vilifying them. The perspective on tourism was also interesting with the awareness of how it can help the local economy and raise money for the community and the wildlife conservation, but could also cause problems with increased pollution etc. Mostly it just scratches the surface, but for a book for this age group, I at least appreciated that an attempt was made to delve into the gray areas. Young readers sensitive to animal peril may want to proceed with caution, though I think this book is overall gentler than the first one with the sea turtles. I know my youngest was very concerned about the fire that destroyed part of the rain forest and what happened to the animals. I am glad the back matter provides some information on ways you can help with conservation in your own daily life and I was happy see some of the things we are doing (such as not eating beef, being mindful of our other purchasing decisions) on the list, which was reassuring and empowering for him. Even though this is the second book in the series, I think it can be read as a stand-alone.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach at my local library, it immediately caught my eye. After pulling the book off the shelf, I quickly realized that the visual allure went beyond the beautifully illustrated cover. The illustrations sprinkled throughout this early reader chapter book spoke of adventure on the high seas. I knew the four-book series needed to come home with me.

The Wind Riders, a magical tale of adventure and wildlife rescue, did not disappoint. The books have something for everyone. Whether your little bookworm is all about wildlife, sailing, or adventure, this series is sure to make it to the top of their charts.

Ready for Adventure?
Book one opens with new friends, Max and Sophia, on a mission to help a seagull tangled in a fishing line. The pair stumbles upon a rundown sailboat called Wind Rider. After the seemingly forgotten sailboat transports them to Hawaii Max and Sophia realize there is far more to Wind Rider than meets the eye.

The pair completes their wildlife rescue mission with the help of some new friends. When they return to their home, Starry Bay, they find that no time has passed and Wind Rider looks like an old forgotten sailboat once again.

Books two, three, and four (at the time of this writing the series is a quartette) follow a similar storyline. Sophia and Max are summoned by the trusty Seagull and transported by Wind Rider to rescue an animal in need. Along the way, readers are introduced to different people, places, and animals.

While the location and the details of each mission differ from book to book the general outline remains the same. This familiar structure may be appealing to some readers, particularly those who are passionate about wildlife rescue. But for readers who are more interested in action and adventure this familiar structure may feel repetitive. I think this would be more apparent to older readers.

Beyond the structure of the plot, there are elements of this story that make it a high-quality read, especially compared to other books in the early reader chapter book space.

Despite the beautiful illustrations throughout all four books the author, Jen Marlin, still uses imagery in her writing, which is something I have found to be lacking in many children’s books.

Something else that stood out to me was the overwhelmingly positive character interaction. There is no name-calling or poor behavior in these books. Max and Sophia are great role models for any young reader. Their goals are noble. But most importantly, they treat each other and the people they meet on their adventures with kindness and respect, even when their circumstances are less than ideal.

Protagonists with good character are something that I’ve found to be a bit of a rarity in early readers. While I think there can still be value in books with less likable protagonists Wind Riders stands out because of its role-model characters.

All in all, I think Wind Riders is an excellent choice for any reader in the series’ target age range of 6-10-year-olds. These books tell an uplifting story of wildlife rescue carried out by kindhearted people.

There is no name-calling, poor behavior, or inappropriate language. Consequently, I think this book would be a great choice for an independent read for children reading at a second or third-grade reading level. As an adult, I thought these books were fun which makes them a great choice for a family read-aloud.

However, you choose to share these books with your little bookworm Wind Riders is a wholesome story parents can feel good about.

You can find this review and all of my others at www.faithfullittlebookworms.com

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this new series is just as engaging as the first! Max and Sophia notice the seagull that led them to the old boat called the Wind Rider from the first book. The kids so enjoyed their first adventure, they hop on knowing no one will miss them as time in their own world will not change while they are gone. (Certainly reminiscent of the famous Magic Tree House series, of course!) They end up on a wide river and realize they are on the Amazon in Brazil. There has been a very big fire and the animals all seem to have gone away. They meet Paulo who is worried about the animals, especially the Scarlet Macaws that are a huge attraction for tourists. Since his mother owns a restaurant locally, their livelihood depends on tourists. So, the kids team up to find out who is trying to trap and sell the nest of babies they found and where the rest of the birds have gone. Of course, there is the book that tells them a bit about the area and the chest that magically provides the tools they will need on this expedition. Characterization, though not the focus as much as plot, is pretty good in this title. We learn a bit more about the local community and the people who live there in this story.

Jen Marlin's story is strong in plot, but light in characterization. The chapters are short with great white space to support new chapter book readers and Izzy Burton's illustrations on nearly every page support the readers, as well. I especially love the end where Sofia sketches a diagram of the Wind Rider, information about the Rainforest, Macaw facts, as well as ways students can help with saving the habitat of the Rainforest. With the bonus of geographical and environmental connections, this series is a first purchase for my schools!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wind Rider is taking Max and Sofia on another animal rescue mission. This time they end up on the Amazon River in Brazil where a forest fire has destroyed a huge chunk of the rain forest. They meet Paulo whose family depends on tourists coming to see the wildlife of the rain forest. Paulo is particularly concerned for the scarlet macaws who nest in the area. The lack of tourists may cause desperate people to turn to the illegal pet trade. Can they find a way to help the macaws and the economy of the town?

This actually taught me a few things about macaws I didn't know before. I liked the solution that helped the animals and the town's economy. These Wind Riders stories do a good job of combining a fun fantasy portal to other places with adventure and real animal rescue efforts.

No content issues.

[Alexandra Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fast book to read aloud to my 3rd grade summer school students. In this adventure, Max and Sophia are transported to the Amazon Rainforest to rescue Scarlet Macaw chicks. As in the last story, they make a new friend. This time it’s a local Brazilian boy named Paulo. Students learn a bit about deforestation as they read about Paulo, Max, and Sophia’s efforts to prevent the chopping down of a tree with macaw chicks inside. Unlike the first book, the sequel contains a plot twist. Tips for protecting the Amazon Rainforest are listed at the back of the book to encourage readers to take action like Max and Sophia.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice followup to the first book but I felt like the storyline was less believable. This wonderful modern Magic Treehouse tackles the plight of endangered animals in every volume. I thought the solutions within the story were good, but the backmatter solutions were slightly ridiculous, not really empowering kids to do anything specifically related to the issues surrounding macaws in the Amazon. Like the Magic Treehouse, I think the voice will be outgrown eventually. Still, I think it's a great addition to any bookshelf.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sofia and Max are back on the Wind Rider, a magical ship that takes them all over the world to help endangered animals. This newest adventure story takes them to the Amazon River in Brazil, in search of the scarlet macaws who had to abandon their homes after a forest fire. Sofia and Max help their new friend Paolo, and together, they find the macaws in a new clay lick and revive tourism in their small town.

The simplicity, pace, and length of the stories in this series make these books ideal for new readers who are reading on their own but still enjoy illustrations throughout the chapters.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This early chapter book is timely of what is happening in our rainforests in current time. Due to fires and money, preserving wildlife is not the first thought in many peoples minds.

This book has a touch of magic as well as an educational purpose. I would recommend this series to any young reader looking to escape to a place they have never been to, and parents can be teaching them something subconsciously.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm definitely not the target reader but I'm loving this series! This was another cute and fun read. I enjoyed this one more than the first book because the solution this time was more realistic. These books are perfect to get young children interested and learning about helping animals and the environment.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alternative to Magic Tree House, slightly more diverse, but with the same "these kids will save the community they visit" feel. Second in the series and the first wasn't necessary. It's a boat and not a magical tree house that transports them around the world--this time to Brazil.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wind Rider takes Max and Sofia to the Amazon Rainforest, where they find out that most of it has been burned down. On this adventure, Max and Sofia try to save the Scarlet Macaws. They might even have to stay up all night in the rainforest!

[CurlyPies · Rating 5 out of 5]

audiobook

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book for early chapter book readers. Reminded me of The Magic Tree House seri

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Crystal Chaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys loved the book so much they didn't want to sleep until i finished. XD I had to put the book away for them to go to sleep.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun read

Another magical adventure for Max and Sophia. They get to visit another continent and save parrots this time. Same formula but still a cute book that kids will enjoy.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first, in my opinion. A nice romp through the Amazon.

A3R3.5K4.5

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Shankar B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

when they found the scarlet macaws.

[Yagyrlr · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mom who likes adventure
I thought the book was great
However the child said it was boring

[John Repplinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, this time focused on saving macaw parrots. Strong environmental themes. Great illustration and. This is like a Magic Treehouse spinoff.

[Anna McCleskey]

For sureee going to start adding these longer chapter books to my “read” list as I’m reading them to my 4yo