3 out of 4 stars
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Many of our fondest memories from our childhood were the moments we spent with a loved one. Our cherished memories were the times when we went to the park with our mothers. It was when we baked cookies with our fathers. It was even the precious moments that we spent with a grandparent. In Cora Groenewald’s Salome and Gogo Visit Soweto, young readers will get a taste of South African culture, see some great illustrations and experience the love between Salome and her Gogo.
In the book, we are introduced to young Salome who enjoys spending time with her “Gogo,” which is a South African term for grandmother. After hearing many tales about Gogo’s homeland, Soweto, the two go on an adventure to experience the city that is full of color and magic. During their trip, the two visit many places in the city like the Orlando Towers, they try new foods, and later, they dance the night away. It becomes a trip that neither one of the will ever forget.
The first thing that caught my eye in the book were the illustrations. The illustrations were wonderfully drawn and gave me a great visual of the culture of Soweto. It is through the illustrations that I was able to see what the Orlando Towers look like and I was able to see the colorful fashion that is worn in the city. The language of the book helped to provide readers with insight to Soweto as well. The author gave much detail about the sounds of the city and the taste of the different foods. The book was created in a way where young readers can experience the same things as Salome.
Even though there are many positives I can give about the book, there is a negative. The biggest flaw of the book is the fact that it lacks a glossary at the end. This book can be seen as educational since it is educating its readers on the city of Soweto. There were many interesting terms that were introduced such as, “Gogo,” “Vetkoek,” and a few others. The author explained what some terms meant, but there were some that readers will have to guess at. If a glossary were included that explained the different terms or even gave more insight into certain things in the story; it would have been the perfect book on the culture of Soweto.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I’m sure that many young readers will as well. The illustrations and the language of the book were both well created. The book made its readers feel like they were actually in Soweto, tasting the food and dancing to the music. The one negative that I have to say about the book is the lack of a glossary for all the different terms that were in the text. A glossary would also help to promote the book as an educational and enriching read. I would definitely recommend this book to any young reader as I feel it is beneficial to read books about other cultures.
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Salome and Gogo visit Soweto
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It's always a plus when a children's book is both entertaining and educational. I can see your point about the need for a glossary of foreign terms, since the words might be frustrating for kids (and adults, too!).
