If the urban jungle of Hong Kong is not where you'd prefer to spend quality time with your children then you might consider getting away for an adventure in the wild - if not in body then at least in mind.
Although many parents are keen to introduce their children to the natural habitats of Asia, how many of us have the opportunity to take the family on a trip deep into the jungles of Borneo? Or through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan? Or on a trek up Mount Fuji? Now, however, thanks to The Kwik Adventures of Baxter Brave & Tommy the Salami, your children can make those journeys from the comfort of the sofa.
The book is a delightful Dr Seuss-like story in verse penned by Derek Kwik, a long-term supporter of the SPCA, and illustrated by high school student Isabel Chun from HKIS. Kwik draws on his own life experiences to sketch the story of Baxter and his curious dog, Tommy (named after Kwik's own dog). Bored with the sedentary city existence, they decide to head off into the wild. As they face the challenge of elements, they are greeted with all sorts of scary scenarios - tsunamis, snowstorms and sinister animals. But with persistence and friendly assistance from the local animals, they are able to weather all the storms and continue on their odyssey.
Verdict
In a world where children are often glued to videogames and iPhone apps, this is a great storytelling tool that takes them away from their concrete existence and roots them instead in the great outdoors. And if you love animals, so much the better, as all sales are donated to the SPCA.