Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a heartwarming and adventurous tale set in the lush rainforest of Panama. The story follows Maritza, a ten-year-old Ngäbe girl, and her baby green iguana, Yimy. Maritza’s determination to protect Yimy from harm leads her to secretly bring him to school, sparking a series of unexpected events that highlight the challenges of living in a tropical environment. Maritza’s bond with Yimy is the heart of the story. Her love and care for the iguana are evident, and her actions, though impulsive, stem from a genuine desire to keep him safe. The challenges she faces, encounters with a snake, a dog attack, and Yimy’s escape, are thrilling and keep the reader engaged. These moments also serve as lessons for Maritza, teaching her the importance of responsibility and the consequences of her decisions.

The narrative is rich with cultural details, offering readers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Ngäbe people. Maritza’s traditional nagua dress, her family’s modest lifestyle, and the children’s walk through the forest to school are vividly described. The book is not only entertaining but also educational. Jane E. Ruth’s inclusion of fun facts about iguanas at the end adds an informative touch, making it appealing for young readers who are curious about wildlife. The thoughtful questions and the teacher’s guide further enhance its value as a learning tool. Double Trouble on the Comarca is a delightful story that combines adventure, cultural insight, and life lessons. It is an ideal choice for children who enjoy stories about animals and the natural world.

Set in the Comarca Reservation in Panama, Central America, Double Trouble on the Comarca is a children's adventure story by Jane E. Ruth. Martiza is a kind-hearted ten-year-old Indigenous Ngäbe child with a beloved pet iguana named Yimy. Despite her mother's wishes, Martiza sneaks Yimy into her backpack and heads off to school. Along the way, she meets her friends, Katia, Celibeth, and Lucas. She tells her friends about Yimy and manages to convince them to keep him a secret. However, the road to the school is through the forest, home to many wild creatures. After encountering a snake and a hawk, Martiza barely escapes the attack of a wild dog. But when Yimy goes missing in class, it's when her troubles really begin. Will Martiza and her friends find Yimy?

Author Jane E. Ruth tells an engrossing tale that highlights the lives of the Indigenous Ngäbe children in Panama through this action-packed adventure. Featuring lively illustrations by Nadezhda Goretovskaya, this uplifting story is sure to win the hearts of children and older readers alike. Double Trouble on the Comarca offers readers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of an Ngäbe child, eg, how they travel to school, what they eat at home, and where their interests and passions lie. The characters are not only adorable but also seem very realistic. Martiza and her friends feel like actual children living in the Comarca Reservation. I loved Martiza's bond with her pet, Yimy. Additionally, the ending will definitely leave children with a smile on their faces. It's a great adventure story for kids.

Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a wonderful international adventure story for kids. Maritza is 10 years old, and she lives in Panama in the Ngäbe Comarca. Maritza wants to take Yimy, her pet iguana, to school, but Mom won’t let her. That won’t stop her, though, and she stows him away in her backpack to keep him safe from her brother. The journey to school is fraught with danger, though, as she and her friends face a snake and a dog, but it’s when they get to school that the real trouble starts – Yimy escapes from the backpack! Chaos ensues, and Maritza is in big trouble with the school and her mom. What kind of trouble does Yimy get into, and can Maritza keep him safe?

Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a fun, educational story set in South America. The illustrations by Nadezhda Goretovskaya are colorful and relevant in a story that teaches kids about life in a different country. Too many kids aren’t aware of life outside their own country, and this is a good way to teach them that kids in other countries are no different from them. They may live a different kind of life, but they still manage to get into all sorts of trouble! The story teaches kids to have respect for other cultures and to understand that they feel and think the same as anyone else. A helpful map shows them where Panama is. The story is well-written and easy to follow; a fun adventure that younger readers will love to read or listen to. They’ll find it easy to identify with Maritza, and they’ll laugh along with her mishaps and adventures with her pet iguana. Beware, though, parents – your kids might start asking for one as a pet themselves! At the end of the book are some helpful questions to test readers on how well they listened and understood the story, followed by a teacher's guide and some fun facts and photos of different types of iguana. All in all, an excellent story and so much fun for the kids.

Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth follows Maritza, a ten-year-old Ngäbe girl, who secretly brings her injured green iguana, Yimy, to school despite her mother’s strict warning that it is unsafe and could put him at risk. On the walk with her friends, Celibeth, Lucas, and Katia, Maritza carefully protects Yimy from multiple hazards, including a purple snake and a dog attack, with Lucas helping to drive the dog away. At school, Yimy initially sleeps in her backpack but later escapes, causing chaos as the children scream, mistaking him for a “dragon.” Maritza and her friends search the entire school grounds, eventually finding Yimy in a tall tree. With Manuel’s assistance, Maritza carefully retrieves him and returns home, where her parents build a secure cage, and Maritza accepts that Yimy must safely stay there.

Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is an absolute delight from start to finish. Adoring the spirited Maritza happens almost instantly, as we join her at school with Yimy and get to know the mischievous baby green iguana that's tucked secretly in her backpack. The scenes are brought to life in Nadezhda Goretovskaya's artwork, which is bold and beautiful, using a vibrant color palette and a contemporary animation style, all of which capture the playful, adventurous spirit of the story. Maritza’s resourcefulness and courage shine as she rescues Yimy from the schoolyard and ensures his safety at home, and we learn about a unique culture and customs. Readers will delight in Maritza’s determination, the lively interactions with her friends, and the charming, unpredictable antics of Yimy that make this tale irresistibly entertaining. Very highly recommended.