Rosie is excited when she’s finally picked to bring something to class the next day for show and tell. She’s less excited when her nemesis, Freddy Jones, is also chosen. What can she bring that will trump Freddy?

Rosie discovers part of a strange map in her backpack – a map with symbols that lead her to a hidden door in Grandpa’s study, and through that door into a strange cave and a realm of adventure. Accompanied by her trusty dog, Rolland, and wearing Grandpa’s adventure hat, Rosie hikes through a mountain jungle, paddles down a dangerous river full of alligators, and eventually reaches a pyramid where she finds a glowing ball guarded by a giant monkey king. When the monkey begins to howl, Rolland out-howls him and the monkey drops the golden ball. Freddy abruptly arrives and steals it, but the next day, he makes excuses for not showing the ball, saying it is too valuable to bring to school (the truth is that it doesn’t glow for him). He throws it at Rosie, and at the end of the book the ball is shining in her room, promising more adventures.

Rosie is a likeable, take-charge protagonist who faces danger calmly and can climb down vines with aplomb, having perhaps inherited her might from her adventurer grandpa. Although some of her problems are solved too easily, the story’s Indiana Jones– type plot and pacing allow the reader to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.

Author Jon Berg’s vivid illustrations are full of intriguing details, from the symbols in Grandpa’s study to the lush jungle foliage to the carvings in the ruined temple. Rosie’s canine sidekick is depicted with expressive body language that matches the girl’s moods. Unfortunately, on some pages the text is set against a dark background in the illustration, making it a challenge to read. Nevertheless Rosie and Rolland is a refreshing, fast-paced story whose active girl protagonist is sure to hold great appeal.