Description
Lani Scrub has a plan: study hard and become a world-renowned scientist like her hero, Kit Galway, who wrote The Meaning of the Universe.
The plan is ruined when Lani's mum decides to 'find herself' by joining a nature-loving community called Passing Waters.
Lani should have known things were up when they got backyard chickens.
At Passing Waters Lani fails every test thrown her way - despite coaching from nine-year-old nature kid Lentil and a chef/astronomer named Meadow.
Turns out failing is hard, and what's worse is their tree change is making her question the meaning of the universe ...
And when the community's future is threatened, will Lani Scrub pitch in to save the day?
From the author of Gus and the Starlight comes an inspiring story about opening your mind and sharing your heart.
Review
Lani loves science. She wants to get a double PHD just like her favourite scientist, Kit Galway, author of the best book ever, The Meaning of the Universe. Lani is getting all geared up for the highlight of the school year - the Junior Interschool Science Championship Cup - and the prize is a visit to Kit’s lab!
But Lani's mum has other plans! Her mum has decided she needs a change and that they are going to join a community who live in harmony with nature. Lani tries to convince her mum to let her stay at home with her dad, but he is always busy at the hospital working crazy hours, so that is not an option.
Lani is horrified. She is sure that she is going to hate every minute of their two week trial - and to begin with she does. But after she makes friends with nine-year-old Lentil and an astronomer named Meadow, Lani starts to change her views a little.
When the whole community is threatened what will Lani do? Will she go home? Or will she stay and help her new friends?
This is beautifully written story about family, friends and the challenges of change. Lani is a great character and this is a very easy story to enjoy in one sitting like I did. It will also make you consider how sometimes you might need to embrace new things and follow your heart to discover everything that life has to offer.
Perfect for readers in upper primary.
