About the Author

Stephanie Stuve-Bodeenwas a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and was inspired to write the Elizabeti series from this experience. The series has won numerous awards. She now lives in Wisconsin with her family.

Aaron Boyd has illustrated numerous picture books, including Calling the Water Drum, Janna and the Kings, and Babu's Song for Lee & Low Books, as well as the chapter book The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis. His work has been recognized by the Children's Africana Book Award and the International Literacy Association (ILA). He lives with his wife, son, and dog in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can visit him online at aaronboydart.blogspot.com.

Reviews

"The tale is told with economy of language but with heaps of feeling. The characters come to life and their loving relationship and lean lifestyle are described with dignity and respect. Boyd's impressionistic watercolors capture the rich colors of the countryside and the market and effectively convey the story's emotions. Babu's Song will resonate with a wide range of readers." -- School Library Journal "Boyd makes a striking picture-book debut with appealing, color-saturated watercolor spreads that capture the contemporary village setting and the affection between the boy and his grandfather." -- Booklist "Warmly told." -- Kirkus ReviewsBest Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Africana Book Award - African Access
South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee - South Carolina Association of School Librarians

Set in Tanzania, Stuve-Bodeen's (Elizabeti's Doll) predictable but touching story focuses on a boy who lives with his grandfather, a mute toymaker (Illness had taken his voice a long time ago). Bernardi sells Babu's toys at market, bringing home enough money for the two to live but not enough to pay for the two things Bernardi most wants school tuition and his own soccer ball. One evening Babu gives Bernardi a present: a handmade music box that plays a tune that Babu used to sing. When the lad brings it to market along with other toys, a tourist offers him so much money that he agrees to sell it. Resisting the temptation to buy a soccer ball with the cash, he gives it to Babu, who spends the money in a way that will please though not surprise readers. Despite the obvious set-up and occasionally strained writing (He loved soccer and his one concern was making a goal), the rapport between grandfather and grandson emerges as genuinely heartwarming. Debut artist Boyd contributes impressionistic and vivid watercolors. The perspective is sometimes muddled but the characters are full of life. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

"The tale is told with economy of language but with heaps of feeling. The characters come to life and their loving relationship and lean lifestyle are described with dignity and respect. Boyd's impressionistic watercolors capture the rich colors of the countryside and the market and effectively convey the story's emotions. Babu's Song will resonate with a wide range of readers." -- School Library Journal

"Boyd makes a striking picture-book debut with appealing, color-saturated watercolor spreads that capture the contemporary village setting and the affection between the boy and his grandfather." -- Booklist

"Warmly told." -- Kirkus Reviews40 Books about Sports, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Africana Book Award, African Studies Association
Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Parents' Choice Recommended, Parents' Choice Foundation
Storytelling World Award, Storytelling WorldSouth Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee, South Carolina Association of School Libraries