The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 10, 2009
Drums, dancers and a bird as big as you! A counting adventure in Africa
by Heidi Brady (Author and Photographer), Lori Michau (Author)
Reading level: All ages
Paperback: 20 pages
Publisher: Self; 1st edition (April 30, 2009)
Source: Author/Photographer
This is a rich and vibrant treat for children and adults, alike. Counting books are in abundance—rightly so—however, this book stands alone due to it’s unique cultural experience and photographs which depict incredulous happiness in an area that is often portrayed with negativity. Positive energy spills from the pages.
Photographer and author Heidi Brady has traveled to Uganda, Africa, several times to work with the non-profit organization Raising Voices, of which co-author Lori Michau is the co-director. It is clear that the experiences that they share and create with the local children are positively up-lifting. From 1 Brother … 5 Dancers … 7 Hands … only smiling faces can be seen in the colorful photographs which are enhanced by the lively text.
This book adds soul and zest to the ordinary task of learning to count. Beautiful!
Publisher’s synopsis: Drums, dancers and a bird as big as you! takes children on a tour of African culture while teaching them to count. Through colorful and unique photographs, readers follow 10-year-old Jessica and her brother Jimmy on a lively adventure around Uganda, East Africa, counting the people and objects they see. The book’s vibrant photographs, taken by Heidi Brady during a trip to Uganda, teach children who have never been to Africa about the culture and showcase its positive aspects through everyday details. Jessica and Jimmy act as tour guides pointing out locations and customs in their everyday life. The book contains colorful double page photo spreads designed with playful fonts and overlays. It is a soft-cover book that allows children to open the book and delve into the visual aspects of the objects in the photographs. This is an interactive book, designed to be read to children by their parents, which asks educational questions that can be discussed.
About the Author: This book was created by Heidi Brady and Lori Michau. Heidi is a freelance photographer living in Chicago, Illinois and Lori Michau is a director of a nonprofit organization in East Africa. This is their first children’s book.
Add this book to your collection: Drums, dancers and a bird as big as you! A counting adventure in Africa
Links of interest: www.hjbphoto.com and www.raisingvoices.org