Babu’s Song

By Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Aaron Boyd
Paperback: $11.95

The story of a young Tanzanian boy who learns a lesson about family love after selling the special music box his grandfather made for him.

Description

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.

About the Creators

Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

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

Aaron Boydhas 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.

Awards

  • Best 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

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 Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600602757
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2003
  • Trim Size 10.25 × 8.25 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1149
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300588
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2003
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1149
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / Africa
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Performing Arts / Music
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Disabilities, Economics / Finance, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Grandparents, Gratitude, Integrity / Honesty, Poverty, Realistic Fiction, Respect / Citizenship, Sharing & Giving
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.4
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 3
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 600
  • Reading Level Grades 1 - 2
  • SRC 3.3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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