Cockroach Heaven

Cockroach Heaven by Carol Jenkins (2020), 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.)