From Publishers Weekly
Pygmies make up the cast of this picture book, perhaps more interesting for its setting than for its execution. Like the other Pygmies, young Mabuti loves to singAbut his friends tease him about his voice, and even the monkeys object when he practices. Determined to improve, the boy wanders through the forest, performing for the crocodiles, hippos, cranes and so on. At last he hones his voice and, mimicking the sounds of a leopard, plays a trick on the children who have been laughing at him. Sikundar's (The Ivory Claw) pacing is a little slack, and details about Pygmy practices feel grafted onto the story. But, paired with debut illustrator Astill's realistic views of the lush vegetation and wildlife of the western Ugandan backdrop, the storyAwhich concludes with a concise, informative afterwordAshapes a credible portrait of a nomadic culture not known to many young American readers. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Pygmies (as they are called here, rather than Mbuti) love to sing, but the hero, Mabuti, has not been blessed with a beautiful singing voice. In this uncomplicated tale, readers follow Mabuti's efforts as he continues to practice, despite complaints from his playmates and the wild animals of the forest. Day after day, Mabuti spends time learning to sing; one day, day, much to his surprise, the doves commend him on his beautiful voice. Pleased, Mabuti plays a trick on his former tormentors, imitating a leopard to get their attention; the ``leopard'' demands to hear Mabuti's singing voice in return for sparing the children's lives. His song saves the day and endears him to his community (and he confesses the trick to an elder). The full-color illustrations deftly depict life in tropical Africa, the work of the villagers, and the wildlife that is part of this lush realm. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
