Water Buffalo Days: Growing Up in Vietnam
Grade 3-5?This story starts off slowly, but quickly picks up speed as the author remembers fondly his childhood days spent in the central highlands of Vietnam. He describes the people and animals of his village, focusing on his family's two water buffaloes that are his favorite playmates. After the first one dies, the boy's father finds a young replacement, Tank. Quang Nhuong is delighted and describes various escapades he shares with the bull, playing hide-and-seek, an encounter with a crocodile, and a battle with an otter. Most of the incidents described are entertaining and readers will learn fascinating information about the importance of these animals in this culture. A charming beginning chapter book about a child growing up in a distant land that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere. The Tsengs' soft sketches show Tank, his young master, and the various villagers mentioned in the text.?Mary M. Hopf, Los Angeles Public LibraryCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.