NONFICTION

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos Oh My!: Animal Artwork by Children in Sub-Saharan Africa

by John Platt & Moira Rose Donohue (text) & illus. by various
Sleeping Bear. Aug. 2020. 32p. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781534110540.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–This picture book features African wildlife paintings created by young East African students and fast facts about the animals. The young artists were students in Platt’s “How To Draw a Lion” program, a nonprofit education program that offers art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa. The illustrations are bright and attractive, but it is the context that is compelling. Combined with the smooth, short, and conversational facts detailing the animals’ physical characteristics, behavior, or diet, the interest factor is heightened by the text’s humorous transitions.
VERDICT A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork. The authors’ art program could serve as inspiration for similar offerings in schools and public libraries.
Reviewed by Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA , Jul 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us
by Bergstein, Rachelle
BOOKS

AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways to Lighten Your Workload and Focus on What Matters
by Echols, Vickie F
BOOKS

Strengthening ­Library Ecosystems: Collaborate for Advocacy and Impact
by Hand, Dorcas, Sara Kelly Johns, Michelle ­Robertson and Eryn Duffee
BOOKS

L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon: A ­Children’s Classic at 100
by Yan Du and Joe Sutliff Sanders, eds
BOOKS

More Ramped-Up Read Alouds: Building Knowledge and Boosting Comprehension
by Walther, Maria
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?