Neeka and the Storm (Wilder Zoo, #2)

Written by Tina Strachan

Illustrated by Max Hamilton

Reviewed by Lauren Spencer

Tina Strachan is an Australian author who lives on the Gold Coast. After spending twenty years working and researching within the veterinary, zoo and wildlife conservation and research industry, Tina is well rehearsed in the unpredictability of animal caretaking. So, it’s only natural that the second book in the Wilder Zoo novel series, Neeka and the Storm, faces some even wilder adventures.

It’s every child’s dream to live in a zoo, and for eleven-year-old Neeka Wilder, that’s her reality. Neeka’s mother, Sarah, is the head veterinarian at Wilder’s zoo, which means they live on site. When Neeka isn’t at school, she’s at the zoo helping her mother and the staff feed and care for the animals. Neeka is very passionate about animals and hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps to become a vet someday. So much so that it often distracts her. There are only five days left in the school reading challenge, and Neeka must finish all her books to be eligible to visit the ‘Wild Wet Waterpark’. She only has one book left, The Secret Garden, but it’s proving harder than she first thought. As Neeka tries to concentrate on her reading, a wild storm approaches, bringing relentless rain and causing all sorts of problems for the zoo. Torn between finishing her reading challenge and wanting to help at the zoo, Neeka comes to terms with the consequences of her own avoidance tactics.

Strachan creates relatable characters that will resonate with middle-grade readers, and the dilemma of schoolwork getting in the way of fun. Themes of friendships, family and the challenges of school life are nicely balanced with the chaos and calm of the zoo. Weaved throughout the narrative is clever alliteration and wonderful animal information, with the added touch of Max Hamilton’s carefully detailed illustrations. I especially love how every animal in the wildlife park is given a name.

Neeka and the Storm can be read as a standalone book or as part of the ‘Wilder Zoo’ series. It’s perfect for any middle-grade animal enthusiast from the age of 9 and up.

HarperCollins AU 2025

Tina Strachan

Max Hamilton 

Books by Max Hamilton include Dogs with Jobs, also reviewed in StoryLinks