$7.95 (Paperback)
Also available in:
Babu's Song 
By Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Illustrated by Aaron Boyd
9781600602757
Bernardi loves to play soccer and would love to go to school too, but he and his grandfather, Babu, cannot afford to pay for schooling. Babu makes toys and Bernardi sells them at the market. Together they make enough money to get by.
One night Babu gives Bernardi a special gift — a handmade music box that plays a song Babu used to sing when he still had his voice. That night and many nights after, Bernardi falls asleep listening to Babu's song.
At the market the next Saturday, a tourist offers Bernardi so much money for the music box, he cannot resist. Now he can buy the new soccer ball he has always wanted! When Bernardi returns home his difficult dilemma is resolved in a surprising turn of events that strengthens the love he and Babu share.
Set in contemporary Tanzania, this warm and tender intergenerational story is sure to touch readers of all ages.
- Awards
-
"Choices"
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Africana Book Award 2004
African Studies Association
Parent's Choice Recommendations 2003
2006-07 South Carolina Children's Book Award Winner
South Carolina Association of School Libraries
40 Books about Sports for 2003
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
More awards... - Interest Level
- Grades 1 - 3
- Reading Level
- Grades 1 - 2
- Themes
- African/African American Interest, Disability, Grandparents, Sharing & Giving
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 3.4
Points: .5
Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen has won numerous awards for her Elizabeti series (see full list to the right). A native of Wisconsin, Stuve-Bodeen was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. She now lives in La Center, Washington, with her husband, a park ranger, and their two children. To find out more about Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, visit her Web site: www.rockforadoll.com
Aaron Boyd made his picture book debut with Babu's Song. He has illustrated a number of works for the educational and children's magazine markets, including two books for LEE & LOW's Bebop Books imprint. He lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was born.
