Review by Ekchambe10 -- The Talking Baobab Tree

[Ekchambe10]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Talking Baobab Tree" by Nelda LaTeef.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

In The Talking Baobab Tree by Nelda LaTeef, a rabbit discovers the many life giving aspects of a baobab tree. The rabbit is lost in the desert and stumbles by the tree at the point of exhaustion. This particular tree can talk and shares a treasure with the rabbit before the rabbit heads home. However, the rabbit's neighbor, the hyena, is jealous of the treasure. Can the rabbit outwit the hyena?

This story is a great folktale highlighting the values of kindness and cleverness. The illustrations are beautiful and use a collage method that helps the illustrations to be simple yet unique. I know of only a few other children’s illustrators who have used similar styles to add depth. I really enjoyed the plot but also enjoyed the author’s note at the beginning which delved into some more information about the baobab tree.

My only dislike was that on page 15 the words are scattered around the illustration a bit which was strange to read, especially when it parted mid-sentence. Other than that, the editing and formatting were really well done. The story moves at a good pace so you don’t get bored or distracted.

This book is appropriate for all aged children. There is no profanity or vulgarity in any way. The only thing some parents may want to be aware of is that there are threats of trapping an animal forever. Then, the animal is “weak from hunger” when they are allowed out. That may be sensitive for some families but is no worse than what a lot of Disney movies include at a G rating.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The story is easy to read and interesting. It includes a theme with an overall positive message. The pictures are absolutely wonderful and the formatting and editing are really well done. I would recommend this to any family and will be purchasing to share with my own children.

******
The Talking Baobab Tree
View: on Bookshelves