Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley. ( )

These books are both excellent promotional vehicles for a charitable orphanage in Kenya, and lovely biographical works about the children who live there. Simple stories with a profound kindness and impact, that do a beautiful job of showing how children in this part of Africa live. Neither cloying, nor pitying, and full of hope. ( )

I received this book as an Early Reviewer win, and I thought I had already reviewed it! Oops.
This is a true story based on an experience in Kenya, at an organization founded by Eric Walters the author) and his wife, that provides care for orphans in the rural district. The characters in this lovely story are real, as are the events that took place. The kindness of a young orphan boy to help bring water to this region are lovingly told and beautifully illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. Walters writes of the organization and the people in an afterword, at the end. This is an inspiring book, much needed in this current world of ours ( )

In my opinion, this story was great. The big idea of this book was that kindness helps all. I loved the characters in this story. More specifically, the oldest orphan in the group. This character was very mature and knew they had to be a leader and take care of the little ones when they were off getting water from the spring. In addition, this character showed kindness despite being treated poorly by the others waiting for water at the spring. Despite being told to leave, this character went out of their way to create a well so that everyone could have fresh water. In addition to the characters, I like how this story is realistic and exposes students to harsh realities that others face. For example, we are lucky enough to always have fresh water and not have to find springs to fill jugs with. This story shows the people of Kenya being nervous that they won't have enough water and carrying multiple jugs to provide for their families. ( )

I enjoyed this book of a true story for several reasons. First, it teaches the great lesson of being kind to others, even if they have not been kind to you and/or “treat others how you would want to be treated.” For example, the main character Boniface lives in an orphan village in Kenya that is recently struck with a drought. When he goes to get water in the long line at the spring where all the local people get their water, he and the other orphans are pushed to the back of line, unwelcomed there. His orphan parent assures him that they were unkind because they were scared they would not be able to give water to their families. With hard work, dedication, and determination, Boniface helps the orphanage get its very own well. Out of kindness he says, “They are so desperate for water that it is hard to be kind…we are not desperate…so perhaps we can be kind. I know when you give water, you give life.” He tells the others about the new well so they are no longer scared for their and their families’ lives. Another reason I liked this book was because it shows how much and how hard some people have to work simply for water. It is a reminder to appreciate the access we have to water and be grateful that we can access it at the push of a button or turn of a knob. The illustrations were wonderful and even included real pictures of the actual Boniface and his village at the end. All in all, it was an enjoyable book many children can benefit from. ( )