Next Stop—Zanzibar Road!
Niki Daly. Clarion, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-547-68852-7
Beneath the heat of the South African sun, Mama Jumbo the elephant takes Motiki’s Taxi into town to visit the market, where animal vendors sell food, clothing, baskets, and other items. In this sequel to Welcome to Zanzibar Road, Daly divides his story into five distinct but connected chapters, with each episode drawing readers further into the dynamics of the African town. What Mama Jumbo really wants is a mirror, which she finally obtains through bargaining; additional plot turns include a busted tire on the bus and a compliment taken literally (“You look good enough to eat in your new shirt!” an alligator tells a chicken named Little Chico). Daly creates a distinctive and memorable sense of community in his energetic, yet easygoing mixed-media spreads. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)
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Reviewed on: 11/19/2012
Genre: Children's