FICTION

Kenya

by Maïmouna Jallow (text) & illus. by Lulu Kitololo
Barefoot Bks. (Our World). Apr. 2024. 20p.
PreS-Gr 2–This addition to the “Our World” series of board books features simple text sprinkled with a dozen Swahili words and phrases and follows a young girl and her family through a day in Kenya. The mother fries fluffy mandazis (soft, sweet dough) served with warm chai tea for breakfast. Then, a matatu (shared minibus) takes them to the city where they visit relatives and shop. Back home, the girl takes a bath and counts to five with her toes: moja, mbili, tatu; nne, and tano! At bedtime, Mama and Baba sing her to sleep with a lullaby. Swahili phrases are accompanied by phonetic pronunciation, and further explained in a helpful afterword. Illustrations use vibrant color, add detail, and capture a child’s wonder-filled perspective.
VERDICT A simple yet well-crafted story, as text and illustrations depict activities familiar to children everywhere as well as introduce language and facts about life in Kenya.
Reviewed by Marilyn Taniguchi , May 03, 2024

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