Here is the African Savanna [Hardcover]

Madeline Dunphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 1999 | Grade Level: P and up

Cumulative text describes the interdependence among the plants and animals of an African savanna.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Part of the Here Is series, this simple cumulative story both shows and tells the interaction of plants and animals on the east African savanna. One at a time, the clear, acrylic double-page pictures and the rhythmic words focus on a particular plant or animal, first close-up and then as part of the wide grassland environment. ("Here are the hippos / who are groomed by the tick birds / who perch on the impalas / who eat the pods / dropped by the baboons / who sit in the tree / which shelters the giraffe . . ."). Each new page takes a surprising leap, though those who look closely at each picture will see a hint of what's to come. The repetition is never boring, and children will enjoy the active verbs and the handsome pictures of the astonishing wildlife. A final double-page spread discusses the animals that are in danger of extinction and makes a plea to help ensure their survival. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

PLB 0-7868-2134-5 A lovely circular, cumulative tale evokes the landscape and animals of the African savanna. Dunphy noses around the food chain as she introduces such creatures as zebras, lions, impalas, baboons, and elephants, against a backdrop of grass and acacia trees. Most of the animals, tick birds to hippos, make unobtrusive yet effective eye contact with readers, drawing them into the scene. Dunphy's wording is a pleasure to read, and her this-is-the-house-that-Jack-built structure is musical: ``who eat the grass/that grows on the plain/which turns green or brown/depending on rain:/Here is the African savanna.'' Leonard's artwork is equally engaging; he zooms in to catch the hippo's whiskers, pulls back to command the savanna's sweep, and maintains a steady flow of characters to keep the pacing crisp. A brief overview of the plants and animals mentioned in the book appears at the end. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (April 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786821345
• ISBN-13: 978-0786821341
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,504,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Madeleine Dunphy is an educational consultant who specializes in writing and teaching about endangered animals and environments. Madeleine has written eight books for children, including The Peregrine's Journey: A Story of Migration, illustrated by Kristin Kest and Here Is the Coral Reef, illustrated by Tom Leonard. Madeleine lives in Oakland, California with her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Gwendolyn. For more information about Madeleine and her books, visit her website at www.mdunphy.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing pictures and text!, July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Here is the African Savanna (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful example of a circular story with excellent repeated lines and incredible pictures. It shows the connections of the various animals and plants of the Savanna.

A must for teachers and parents!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here is the African Savanna, November 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Here is the African Savanna (Hardcover)

In the style of "The House That Jack Built", this book employs delightful repetitions and stunning illustrations to give children a picture of the animals who inhabit the African savanna. I read this book on a regular basis to children of all ages (and lots of adults), and they all enjoy it. In fact, I have worn out my initial copy, and have had to order another!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical cumulative text enhanced by vivid illustrations of the African savanna, July 9, 2010

By 

Z Hayes (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Here Is the African Savanna (Web of Life) (Paperback)

"Here is the African Savanna" is an engaging picture book that is also educational. The cumulative style along the lines of This is the House that Jack Built makes this a perfect book for reading aloud to young children ( ages 4-8) or for motivating beginning and intermediate readers. My daughter, who is five-and-a-half was able to read the text about the wildlife in the African savanna with some help from me. She loved the vivid colors of the illustrations, especially the bold depiction of the various wildlife such as the zebras, lions, giraffes, baboons, impalas, tick birds, hippos, and elephants portrayed in their natural surroundings.

This is an informative and educational book, great for introducing young children to creatures of the African savanna. There is also a useful glossary at the back of the book which provides more details on the various inhabitants of the savanna. A wonderful resource for school and home libraries.