Scan barcode
A review by cweichel
Dear Baobab by Cheryl Foggo
4.0
Maiko has had to leave his home somewhere in Africa to come and live with his Aunt and Uncle in what looks to be North America somewhere. (I assume Canada since both the author and illustrator live here)
He has a lot of challenges: grieving for his dead parents, going to a new school and dealing with bullying, loss of his community and especially the baobab tree at its heart. When he discovers the young spruce by his new house is the same age as him, he connects to it and confides his troubles to it.
When the tree must be cut down because of its proximity to the house, Maiko does what he can to save it. When this doesn't work, he tries to run away.
I like that Maiko's aunt and uncle are kind and loving and ready to listen and act on Maiko's concerns once he articulates them.
Qin Leng's digitally coloured illustrations articulate the difference between where Maiko lived in Africa, and where he is now. I love how she captures emotions in the characters' faces and body language.
The problem with this book is that there is a lot of text on the pages. This will dissuade many younger readers. However, because the book portrays the experience of a young immigrant to our country, it is an important title to share with readers of all ages. It would make a good read aloud as part of a family or immigration unit.
He has a lot of challenges: grieving for his dead parents, going to a new school and dealing with bullying, loss of his community and especially the baobab tree at its heart. When he discovers the young spruce by his new house is the same age as him, he connects to it and confides his troubles to it.
When the tree must be cut down because of its proximity to the house, Maiko does what he can to save it. When this doesn't work, he tries to run away.
I like that Maiko's aunt and uncle are kind and loving and ready to listen and act on Maiko's concerns once he articulates them.
Qin Leng's digitally coloured illustrations articulate the difference between where Maiko lived in Africa, and where he is now. I love how she captures emotions in the characters' faces and body language.
The problem with this book is that there is a lot of text on the pages. This will dissuade many younger readers. However, because the book portrays the experience of a young immigrant to our country, it is an important title to share with readers of all ages. It would make a good read aloud as part of a family or immigration unit.