Catch That Goat! [Hardcover]

Polly Alakija (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002 | Age Level: 3 and up

Ayoka is put in charge of the family goat, who promptly vanishes and runs through the town's market stalls taking whatever looks tasty.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A busy Nigerian street market is the setting for this sunny debut. While her mother is out, Ayoka is supposed to "look after the goat." Immediately, her charge escapes to the market, where a panicked Ayoka asks a vendor, "Mama Kudi, have you seen my goat?" "No, Ayoka," she replies. "But one of my boli [bananas] is missing. I can only see ten." At the page's edge, only the hind legs of the goat are visible as they kick over a basket of spoons. In the next spread, a loaf of bread goes missing: "I can see only nine!" says the vendor (the goat's hind hooves upset a plate of tomatoes). This pattern continues in each spread in a countdown to zero. Finally, her mother returns and points out the goat wearing all of the missing items. Young children should relish the predictable text, the utterly silly climax and the fun of spotting clues left by the mischievous pet. Alakija's energetic illustrations, in grayed-down jewel tones, ripple with the texture of the paper underneath. In one scene, three women grind food at the "Mama Put Cool Spot," where they serve such exotic dishes as cow-leg pepper soup, egusi and dodo. That exoticism, coupled with the cheery color, pattern and vitality of the bustling market, offers children an enlightening excursion far removed from their everyday trips to the supermarket. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-A Nigerian marketplace is the backdrop for this lively chase after a mischievous goat with a penchant for pilfering. When Ayoka's mother goes out, she instructs her daughter to "Look after the goat!" The mayhem begins immediately, as the animal takes off and Ayoka runs through the market looking for it. The endpapers set the mood with their bold designs of African textiles. The illustrations are wonderfully rendered in mixed media on tan watercolor paper that is often left exposed; its texture also adds depth to the overall effect. The market scenes are rich with variety-anything can be found among the stalls and vendors, from fruits, vegetables, and bread to cleaning supplies, a hot meal, and a hairdresser. The text is presented in speech bubbles that allow the art to dominate the two-page-spread format. A counting element is woven into the story as the goat's items mount up. In the end, Ayoka finds her goat and the booty with it. The book works well on many levels, such as for storytime, counting, and cultural exploration, and would be a welcome addition to most collections.
Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Books (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841489085
• ISBN-13: 978-1841489087
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,265,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Belongs on every World Citizen's book shelf, April 6, 2004

By 

"jeffreylavezzo" (Charlottesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catch That Goat! (Hardcover)

Children of today are growing up in a world more unified than ever before! Help your little ones understand life the world over with this lively glimpse into a Nigerian marketplace. It's colorful and fun, full of cultural references, unusual language, and wonderful terms of respect (for example, Ayoka talks to 'Oni Breadi' aka: man older than me who sells bread!). This book made my four year old want to visit Nigeria!
We also recommend Elephants Aloft by Kathi Appelt

5.0 out of 5 stars The Market, April 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Catch That Goat! (Hardcover)

The fine illustrations show marketplace details showing a lifestyle very different from ours. The story is entertaining to children because of the mischevious goat. I bought it for my grandchildren because I want them to understand that there are many styles of living.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations, March 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Catch That Goat! (Hardcover)

I decided to buy this book for my grandchildren after first seeing it in the public library. The story is very understandable. The illustrations show very well the marketplace, the activities there, and a different style of living. I highly recomend it.