Be Patient, Abdul

Seven-year-old Abdul is not the only one who needs patience here--first-time author/illustrator Sandoval makes readers wait for the storytelling to begin as she rather lengthily sets the scene. In the West African nation of Sierra Leone, Abdul struggles to earn money so that he may pay the fees to attend school. As Abdul somewhat unsuccessfully tries to sell oranges, his parents remind him to be patient. The story shifts abruptly to describe Abdul's little sister, a bustling market square and an elaborate parade. When at last Abdul's taxi driver father earns the needed money (from parade-goers), Abdul thanks Allah for the outcome as well as the lesson in patience. Unfortunately, Poppa's extra income comes off almost as a deus ex machina ploy, in no way dependent on Abdul's sincere efforts. Sandoval's sunny, artless acrylics are the most pleasing element of this book; they seem to underscore the lesson in childlike trust. But they don't provide the cohesiveness and drive this story needs. Ages 5-9. (Aug.)Fiction