A Kenya Christmas
Kindergarten-Grade 3-An old man tells his grandchildren about his 10th Christmas. Rich Aunt Aida came from Nairobi with her two pet cheetahs to visit her nephew, and the two of them planned a surprise for the rest of the village. They enlisted a man to play Father Christmas, located an elephant for him to ride, and provided snow in the form of chicken feathers. Father Christmas did indeed ride into the village and gave wonderful gifts to all the children, but not in the way Aunt Aida and the boy had planned. It was one of those magical events that seem to happen only at Christmas. The vibrant mixed-media artwork contributes enormously to that magic. The varying perspectives and suggestions of texture capture the sweeping landscapes, the majestic animals, and spirited tone of the storytelling. A glossary of Swahili words is included. The colorful prose and engaging illustrations present an inventive holiday fairy tale with a unique setting.-V. W.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.