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Helix and the Arrival
What if a wimpy kid was born in the Stone Age?
Hi, I'm Helix. I'm twelve years old and the worst caveman-to-be that Rockfall has ever seen. I'm even less cavemanly than my lazy bonehead brother, whose hobby is grooming his nose hair.
It's almost time for my Arrival. I'll be expected to disappear into the woods and return with something big, dangerous or rare – preferably all three. My best friend Ug is preparing for his Arrival too. He has the strength of a hungry rhinovore so he will no doubt bring back something impressive. And our friend Saleeka would pass with flying colours, except girls aren't allowed to take the test – a rule that makes her angrier than a sabre-tooth.
But me? I can't even lift a club above my shoulder. Banishment to the Dark Side, here I come . . .
Hi, I'm Helix. I'm twelve years old and the worst caveman-to-be that Rockfall has ever seen. I'm even less cavemanly than my lazy bonehead brother, whose hobby is grooming his nose hair.
It's almost time for my Arrival. I'll be expected to disappear into the woods and return with something big, dangerous or rare – preferably all three. My best friend Ug is preparing for his Arrival too. He has the strength of a hungry rhinovore so he will no doubt bring back something impressive. And our friend Saleeka would pass with flying colours, except girls aren't allowed to take the test – a rule that makes her angrier than a sabre-tooth.
But me? I can't even lift a club above my shoulder. Banishment to the Dark Side, here I come . . .
- GenresChildrens
278 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 14, 2023
Helix is a cave boy about to turn thirteen when he must demonstrate his manly skills by killing a beast. The only trouble is Helix doesn’t want to kill anything, but he doesn’t want to disgrace his family either.
The King and Speel, his advisor, continue to warn everyone of the dangers of the people of the lowlands and to stay away. On a trip to a neighbouring village, Helix meets Steckman and a travelling salesman. He tells tales of exciting people in faraway lands. When Helix’s friend Ug’s father is injured hunting and looks like he might die, Helix wonders if different treatments are used by other people.
Determined to find an answer for his friend, Helix sets out to cross the river and find help. Can he survive the dangerous people in the people of the lowlands? Who joins forces with him?
I enjoyed the mix of contemporary life and caveman life and the humour. A fun read.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
The King and Speel, his advisor, continue to warn everyone of the dangers of the people of the lowlands and to stay away. On a trip to a neighbouring village, Helix meets Steckman and a travelling salesman. He tells tales of exciting people in faraway lands. When Helix’s friend Ug’s father is injured hunting and looks like he might die, Helix wonders if different treatments are used by other people.
Determined to find an answer for his friend, Helix sets out to cross the river and find help. Can he survive the dangerous people in the people of the lowlands? Who joins forces with him?
I enjoyed the mix of contemporary life and caveman life and the humour. A fun read.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
October 28, 2022
What a fabulous book!!
I've just finished reading this absolute delight with my 8 year old... each night unable to put it down after he fell asleep, I read on myself - lost in a prehistoric womderland!.
The writing is full of colourful, fabulous and often hilarious descriptions of people:,their foibles, quirks and emotional responses to the challenging world they find themselves in. A great picture of the world of humanity is created in this book... what drives people?, how do communities work?, what are the truly important things in our lives?.
I really loved this little gem and was sad to not be able to find anything further published by Damean Posner, whose writing has been an absolute pleasure to read, both with my child, and for my own pleasure as an apparently fully fledged adult!
I really hope we might see more in print from this author in the future.
I've just finished reading this absolute delight with my 8 year old... each night unable to put it down after he fell asleep, I read on myself - lost in a prehistoric womderland!.
The writing is full of colourful, fabulous and often hilarious descriptions of people:,their foibles, quirks and emotional responses to the challenging world they find themselves in. A great picture of the world of humanity is created in this book... what drives people?, how do communities work?, what are the truly important things in our lives?.
I really loved this little gem and was sad to not be able to find anything further published by Damean Posner, whose writing has been an absolute pleasure to read, both with my child, and for my own pleasure as an apparently fully fledged adult!
I really hope we might see more in print from this author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews