Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy series final keeps the laughs, mad science coming.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The Porch sisters need to find THE JUNGLE OF CARABANANA if they're going to have any hope of learning more about who their parents were. Fortunately, a field trip they have to go on with the Lady Students of Antiquarium takes them to a location where they'll find more information. Unfortunately, their mentor in mad science Millicent Quibb is convinced it's too dangerous and gets the girls to promise they won't go on the field trip. But go they do, and danger they find when they learn of a nefarious plot to brew a potion of immortality for the villainous Talon Sharktuth. Their determination to find answers and thwart Sharktuth leads them to places and to face dangers they never could have imagined. Will they finally learn the truth about who they are, and thwart the villains once and for all?
Is It Any Good?
This fantasy series finale continues the hilarious absurdities and daring adventures fans enjoyed in the first two volumes. The Jungle of Carabana is still chock-full of smart-girl power and positivity. Lots of familiar characters are back and as ridiculously kooky as ever. The lively, whimsical illustrations add to the fun and help explain the ridiculous without getting in the way of the reader's own imagination.
This time, using science to solve problems takes a back seat to a more traditional fantasy story of discovery, both about the girls themselves as people and about where they came from. The ending is sweet, and while the narrator makes it clear that this is the final installment, she also makes it clear that there are plenty more adventures in store for the Porch sisters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scariness in The Jungle of Carabanana. Does it get too scary, or does it make the story more exciting? What helps you feel better when you get scared?
How do curiosity, teamwork, and perseverance help the Porch sisters solve problems? Can you think of a time one of these traits helped you?
Have you read the other books in the series? If you did, which one is your favorite and what do you like best about it? If not, would you like to read them now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Alfredo Cáceres
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Adoptees and Foster Kids , Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alvina Ling Books
- Publication date : September 29, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 28, 2026
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