This is an enjoyable, encouraging children’s story with themes of independence, self-esteem and finding a place to belong. It has beautiful, colourful illustrations. The story aims to bring the plight of AIDS orphans to our awareness, foster compassion for others who are in difficult situations and gratitude if we are in happier circumstances ourselves. The author provides useful pronunciation assistance with some words that might be tricky to pronounce. Jabu, Sipho and Monica have lost their parents to AIDS. They are orphans and don’t have a family to belong to. They can’t afford to go to school. The children are ashamed that they haven’t yet learnt to write their names. They find water closer to their hut so that will make fetching water easier. Then they have more time to learn reading and writing. An older girl is available and willing to teach them, but they don’t have any pens and paper. Read the book to see how they solve this hurdle. This is an inspirational story of overcoming the odds. It will leave you with a positive, hopeful feeling. The orphans embody the spirit of never giving up, which is vital in today’s world when many people have so many challenges to overcome. This delightful book should appeal to children from about age 3 to about 10. It has a message for everyone.
Susan Gibbs, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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