“Last Airlift is a great addition to the classroom library because it is non-fiction, which I would promote as much as possible. The story provides integration with history as it will provoke discussion of the Vietnam War.”
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-Leslie Mayer
“To most North American children, being able to turn on a tap and have clean water come out is a given. The latest book from Alma Fullerton, with illustrations by Karen Patkau, should open children’s eyes to the fact that not everyone is so lucky.
A Good Trade portrays a day in the life of Kato, a young Ugandan boy who rises with the sun and travels barefoot to the water pump just outside his village to collect a day’s worth of water for his family. On this particular day, an aid worker comes to the village square with a delightful gift, and Kato is inspired to reciprocate her kindness.
Fullerton uses simple prose to relay the story of Kato’s walk to the pump and back, but she notes details—the sloshing of water in the jerry cans, the rumbling of the aid worker’s truck, the armed soldiers standing sentry in a field—that paint a complete picture. Kato’s harsh reality is illustrated through tender moments as well, such as when he splashes cold water on his dusty feet before starting the long trek home.
Patkau’s distinctive digital illustrations are a pleasant complement to Fullerton’s text, capturing the terrain of the village. The greens and browns of the landscape provide a muted backdrop to the children’s brightly coloured clothing and jerry cans. The hard lines and distinct coloration make the pictures leap off the page, as in one splendid image of children pumping water that captures the vibrancy of a girl’s dress, the texture of the children’s hair, and the leafy foliage.
There is much more to this gentle story than its obvious message about the hardships faced by others. The juxtaposition of happy children in a war-torn village, and the beautiful exchange between Kato and the aid worker, portray the endurance of childhood innocence, suggesting small joys can be found in imperfect places.
–Katie Gowrie, Q&Q’s editorial intern.
Don't Laugh at Giraffe by Rebecca Bender
Pajama Press is giving away a signed copy of Rebecca Bender’s hilarious picture book Don’t Laugh at Giraffe and two sets of our exclusive Don’t Laugh at Giraffe greeting cards
Follow us and tweet this link to be entered in the draw. Be sure to use our handle, @PajamaPress1, so we know you’re participating!
Greeting Cards
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Don’t Laugh at Giraffe is the hilarious sequel to author/illustrator Rebecca Bender’s award-winning picture book Giraffe and Bird. The two heroes are back, squabbling, scrapping, and generally getting on each other’s nerves. But even though they don’t always act like friends, when Giraffe’s feelings are hurt, Bird finds a way to save the situation.
The book is a hardcover picture book for ages 4-7, but adults will enjoy it, too!
These greeting cards, which will officially go on sale in August, 2012, come in four different designs featuring the original art of acclaimed author/illustrater Rebecca Bender. The cards measure 5 x 7 inches and are blank inside for personalized greetings.
Contest ends on May 15, 2012
Tuyet’s remarkable true story recounts the heroic rescue on a plane bigger than her orphanage, with babies hurriedly placed in cardboard boxes and an unknown future for all. With the new foods, her own bed, eating with a fork, using a toothbrush (instead of her fingers and some salt), walking on grass (instead of rice paddies), and learning that the lights in the nighttime sky are stars instead of bombs, it’s her adjustment to a foreign land and an adopted family that proves most fascinating.