First published 1987
Orphaned siblings Harriet, Hubert, and Henry are swept up in their great-uncle Lancelot's latest expedition. The eccentric old naturalist whisks them away in his hot air balloon, determined to show them the wonders of the animal kingdom. From the bustling streets of London to the untamed jungles of Africa, the children marvel at Lancelot's encyclopedic knowledge and knack for discovering rare creatures. But as their journey grows more perilous, the kids must use their wits to survive - and keep their irrepressible uncle out of harm's way. In the end, this rollicking, high-flying adventure teaches the family to cherish their differences and the spirit of exploration.
Genres: family, 20th-century, adventure, fantasy, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Africa, London
Period: 19th-Century, 20th-Century
156 pages · Paperback · House of Stratus Ltd