I was delighted when Maxwell Eaton III introduced a new character, Survival Scout, to his oeuvre in Lost in the Mountains, and the second book in the series does not disappoint.
Scout, having survived her trip to the mountains and gained a skunk friend, is hanging out on a small island off the coast of Alaska with her mom, an ornithologist. She’s woken by a sudden shock and the next thing they know, there’s an earthquake!
The introduction warns that, in the event of a real tsunami (or earthquake) it’s best not to stop and “explain geology.” Fortunately for readers eager to learn all about tsunamis, this is a book. As the earthquake intensifies and sets off a tsunami, Scout cheerfully puts it on pause to discuss the causes of earthquakes, historical tsunamis, and their aftermath, then walks readers through emergency procedures. The narrative is interrupted by a local seagull who explains extra facts in their “Squawk Box” (much to the skunk’s annoyance) and the appearance of Richter Scale, a reptilian exchange student who speaks German.
Go bag packed and ready, Scout, the skunk, and Richter head for the hills, walking (or rather running) readers through emergency procedures, both in general and specific to tsunamis. An appendix reviews emergency procedures and adds some additional information and resources about staying safe. Eaton is honest about the frightening and destructive power of tsunamis, but helps kids face possible fears by walking them through not only general emergency procedures, but also specific warnings and information to look for in areas where tsunamis are possible.
Eaton’s trademark lumpy cartoons are neatly organized into panels, diagrams, action shots, and illustrated facts. The narrative thread, featuring brown-haired Scout, ties the book together and keeps the book moving and the skunk, a plump black figure with tiny white stripe on their nose and tail, interjects humor throughout. The skunk, Scout, and the fact-spouting gull pop in and out of the panels and diagrams to add their thoughts, framed in little portholes. Strong colored backgrounds break up the chunks of factual text and make them easy to pick out among the rushing waves, exploding volcanoes, and sandy beaches. The same blues and greens of the first book are repeated here, with more beige/tan sand in place of the brown earth of the mountains and lots of clear blue skies dotted with fluffy clouds.
This second title in the series dives deeper into the science behind the story and has less of a narrative thread than the first title, but will still draw in readers who are interested in natural disasters or find their fears in an age of major weather events calmed by focusing on practical actions and the scientific background of such phenomena. The blend of text and comic panels will also appeal to adults who are reluctant to allow students to read only graphic novels. This second title is a strong entry in a series that continues to be a great choice for school or public libraries with an elementary age audience.
Survival Scout Vol. 2: Tsunami
By Maxwell Eaton III
Macmillan Roaring Brook, 2024
ISBN: 9781250790446
Publisher Age Rating: 8-12 years
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
