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Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite
At the beginning of Minda Gomez's Martinez Kid Adventures: The Island Rescue, Rico and Diego, two adventurous brothers, are introduced as majestic owls flying in the Arctic sky, an experience accomplished by a new form of virtual reality As the tale begins, the system designer, Don Toño, tells the boys there are tech glitches and leaves to correct them. When his wife, Doña Rosa, hurts herself in the technical center, a passcode is needed to free her. The brothers don their transporting glasses to find the inventor. Upon their virtual arrival in the Galápagos Islands, several encounters include meeting a helpful but greedy penguin who tells them the wizened Don Tortuga, a giant land tortoise, might provide knowledge about Don Toño’s whereabouts. Their toddler sister followed them and, becoming birds, all three take flight to find him. The rest of the book details what occurs in both virtual and real life.
Between their reactions to their transmutations and engaging escapades with birds, reptiles, and a familiar crustacean, the book is entertaining, even without the theme of being mission-bound. Every character is multifaceted, both true to species and as individuals. Although the plot is a pursuit, surprises abound. In addition, a Spanish glossary, fascinating facts about the life forms encountered, and a recipe for a tasty fruit drink are included. The Island Rescue is one of a series in which author Minda Gomez shares that one of her goals is instilling pride in being bilingual and has provided much information along these lines. Every moment a young reader spends with this book will be enriching and enjoyable.
