"I emptied my secret money box, arranged the coins in piles and piles in rows.....".
This is the voice of Saruni speaking. He is a young Tanzanian boy who is very determined to save his small earnings in order buy something special. After months of work, he takes his coins to the marketplace, only to be met with humiliating laughter. But Saruni perseveres towards his goal and discovers happy rewards in the end.
The story offers great examples of universal childhood experiences: the power of persevering, pride in learning a new skill, saving money and giving of one's self. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and lend a sense of place. You can feel the warmth of Africa in the colors.
A short glossary gives the meaning and pronunciation of frequently used Tanzanian words. This is a Coretta Scott King Award winner.
Beverly- Reading Tutor
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have you read this book? Want to? Didn't like it very much. Know about another book like it? Share your ideas.