reviewed by Elizabeth Coleman “...even the most unwanted creature has its own appeal…” Cockroach Heaven is a characterful tale of humans, animals, relationships and also phobia, with 10-yr old Ollie who is terrified of cockroaches going on a trip to Sydney to stay in an apartment where they are plentiful. This story has a bright, believable style; it is sharp and amusingly observant. The dialogue is distinctively 10-year-old - quirky and recognisable. There’s no pandering to delicate sensibilities in this tale of resilience, where curiosity is used to overcome a tangible fear. Carol Jenkins has talent as a teacher and a writer and clearly has a good ear. She knows how to interest her audience in a lively way. She does not disguise a common fear or talk down to her readers. Neither does she preach. Cockroach Heaven is written in a first-person narrative enhanced by Lauren Gilberd’s sensitive artwork, in particular her depiction of the wide-eyed hero/narrator, Ollie, and his nemesis cockroaches which are big and definitely black. The edition is bold, gutsy and a good size, courageous in its own way. I would recommend this book for the junior section of your bookcase. Many a young reader will find reality and delight in its pages. (And the additional facts about cockroaches fascinated this older reader too.)

Carol Jenkins can’t remember a time she didn’t enjoy drama and poetry and writing stories and plays. During her teaching career which spanned four decades her plays were enjoyed in the classroom and produced on stage. She has also written stories and articles for children and their parents for the website of a charitable trust. Cockroach Heaven is her second picture book for children. There are over 60 copies of her first picture book The Pūriri Tree & the Little Houhere Tree in New Zealand public libraries.