September 8, 2014
Fifteen poems celebrate the flora and fauna of the African grasslands, accompanied by background information and stylized illustrations from British illustrator Wadham, which draw out the personalities of the animals on parade. Latham doesn’t ignore some of the hard realities of life in the wild: “Wildebeest down:/ weakling drowned/ during migration,” begins “Calling Carcass Control,” about scavengers; her ode to a lioness takes place “After the choosing,/ after the chase,” as the sleepy huntress “savors favorite flavors” before falling asleep. There’s also room for beauty and humor, as in a lighthearted ode to oxpeckers and the mammals whose ticks they happily eat: “Got earwax? Dead skin? We’re the best!/ Deep wound cleaning upon request.” An assured and often amusing grouping of verse that informs as it entertains. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.
Starred review from July 1, 2014
Gr 2-5-This will be a much-sought-after book for teaching reading and inquiry skills. Each animal (which include the wildebeest, impala, meerkat, black mamba, puff adder, and more) features a poem on the left side of the spread and an informational text box on the right. Latham's knowledge of these creatures enhances both the well-crafted poems and the informational texts, the two working in tandem. In "Dust Bath at Dusk," Latham explains how elephants' "skin/is powdered/in a red-grit shower..." while the text box reads "As this dirt coating on their hides dries, it forms a crusty layer that protects them from damaging sun and irritating insects." There are many interesting facts to be gleaned, such as a step-by-step description of the uses of elephant dung before a dung beetle lays its eggs within it. The book is not only edifying but also funny. For instance, a poem about a symbiotic relationship between the oxpecker and its host begins, "Ticks got you dancing in an ear-flapping way?/Try our Basic Tick Removal Plan Today!" Charming illustrations in dusty colors convey the habitat of the African grasslands while portraying the passing of a day. A strong choice.-Teresa Pfeifer, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from July 15, 2014
A poetic celebration of animal life found in the African grasslands.Inspired by wildlife photographer Greg du Toit, who submerged himself in a Kenyan water hole to capture glimpses of the creatures gathering there, Latham and illustrator Wadham showcase the splendors of that world in this riveting picture-book tribute. Through spare lyric poems and brief but illuminating prose descriptions set within warm, subdued-toned spreads, the duo invite young readers to explore the importance of the water hole for no fewer than 15 species who congregate at this vital life source. Unusual beasts with sonorous names like impala, oxpecker, nightjar and wildebeest all come to drink, sometimes risking life and limb when met by dangerous snakes-"Puff adder / hisses- / rarely misses"-who also frequent the water hole to survive. In an effort to ward off other would-be predators, including the unrelenting African sun, a "rugby tangle" of frolicking zebras or a herd of elephants luxuriating in a "dust bath at dusk" may be spotted, all hoping to evade the services of the "mean-eyed marabou," the bald-headed carrion-eating stork. Latham's finely crafted verse, at once humorous and serious, dazzlingly opens the imagination to the wilds of the world.Enlightening and engaging, a thrilling panorama of the diversity to be found throughout the animal kingdom. (glossary, further reading) (Picture book/poetry. 8-12)
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December 15, 2014
Grades 2-5 A water hole in the African grasslands provides the setting for this attractive book, in which 15 short poems spotlight different animals. A thirsty giraffe struggles to maneuver its legs in order to reach the water with its tongue. A well-fed lioness dozes nearby. Meanwhile, a dung beetle works tirelessly, rolling a ball of elephant dung to her underground tunnel. Each double-page spread features a large, expressive illustration; one or two poems; and a box of information closely related to each poem's subject. Precisely worded, pithy, and often playful, these enjoyable poems often focus on a particular aspect of the subject, such as the meerkat sentries' communications or the oxpecker birds' grooming service for large mammals. Wadham varies the book's single setting by isolating parts of the area in the illustrations and by altering her palette as the light changes throughout the day and night. A fine volume of verse for independent reading or sharing with a class.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)