It takes a village (edizione 1994)

This would be good for k-3rd grade students, it depicts the popular saying "it take a village" in reference to raising a kid. It is set in an African village and shows how everyone came together to take care of a lost little boy. It was a cute book but it seems to be slightly stereotypical to me. So I would be hesitant to read this aloud in my classroom.

A heartwarming story, based on the West African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child". A young girl proudly watches her little brother--only to discover that caring neighbors have been watching them both all along. Full-color illustrations by the author. Google Books

In a story based on the West African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child." Little Kokou slips away from his older sister when she is taking care of him in the market. Yemi looks all over for Kokou, knowing that he must be hungry, thirsty, frightened and sleep. When she finds her baby brother she discovers that the entire village has been watching them both.

This beautiful story illustrates the culture of African markets and shows how society contributes to the well being of children. ( )

I liked this book for a couple of reasons. First, it starts off with a mother asking her daughter to keep an eye on her little brother while she sells mangoes in the village. She proudly agrees, mentioning to others that she is perfectly able and old enough to do it. They smile and nod but they “know better.” Later on, she turns her back on her brother for a moment and he wanders off. Then it shows him looking and wondering where he could be, while he is off in the distance being watched after by a village member. The reason I like this book is because of the main quote, “it takes a village to raise a child.” This wonderful lesson of having/giving support from/to your family and friends means so much. The mother of the children know and is comforted by the fact that her village friends and family members will happily look out for one another and as a mother, that is a pleasing feeling to have. Another reason I liked this book was because I know I can include it in my future classroom. The illustrations were in colored pencil and watercolor and greatly added to the storyline of the book. For example, when the main character is in search of her brother thinking he is lost, the only way to know he is taken care of is through the pictures and illustrations showing he is happily with a loving village member. This was an adorable book that I think children would enjoy. ( )