We were pumped to see the new offering from Kids Can Press by family favourite Maureen Fergus releasing September 4th, just in time to go back to school.  The Reptile Club by Maureen Fergus and illustrated by Elina Ellis is a funny story about a boy who just can’t find a club at his new school that fits.  His Dad suggests creating his own club and the Reptile Club is born. At first the only members of the club are a crocodile, an anaconda, and a gecko but after seeing all the fun they are having, many of Rory’s other classmates join as well.

In typical Maureen Fergus style, this book is quite funny and charming and is a family favourite.  It makes a fantastic read aloud and leaves a lot of opportunity for interaction. My favourite is Pierre the Gecko as I love putting on a French accent.  Throughout the story you get little snippets of information about reptiles and other animals that older readers will pick up such as Raoul the crocodile stating, “I sweat through my mouth” and Miram the anaconda suggesting, “(I) could swallow you will one bite.”  The Reptile Club also offers a lesson in inclusion and friendship, providing a way for children to make new friends through common interests.  There are so many moments in the story where your child will chuckle along and other moments just for the parents to have a little laugh.  Maureen Fergus really knows how to meld the two together and create a magical book engaging not only for children but also their grown ups.

The art by Elina Ellis is extremely engaging with a lot of colour, detail and dynamics.  The end papers are fantastic and would be amazing printed on cloth and turned into a shirt.

Once again, a special thanks to Kids Can Press for providing a copy of The Reptile Club in exchange for an honest review.  It's definitely a keeper!