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Let's Go on Safari

WILLIAMS, Kate Gilman & . 36p. Crickhollow. May 2019. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781933987279.
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Gr 2–4—Cowritten by eight-year-old activist Williams and her former safari guide Campbell, this book serves as a campaign for three nonprofits: Global Wildlife Conservation, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Jane Goodall Institute. Born of noble efforts, the book offers a somewhat privileged window into experiences most American children will not have. The layout has a clean scrapbook feel with a mixture of personal and professional photographs throughout. Marked with the respective writer's headshot, the text alternates between the first-person accounts and discoveries of Williams's and factual information presented by Campbell. For instance, Williams relates a story of encountering a lone lioness on the hunt in the African bush and Campbell follows with lessons detailing why some lions are part of a pride and others go it alone. Williams expresses both humility and confidence, presenting as refined for her young age: "The truth is I have no idea why we are safe in the truck, but for some reason, these animals respect the vehicle and do not see it as a threat." She offers an easily accessible explanation of poaching and encourages young readers to become advocates for wildlife conservation.
VERDICT A title lacking in universal appeal but with potential to empower budding young change-makers.

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