Lake of the Big Snake [Hardcover]

Isaac Olaleye (Author), Claudia Shepard (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Best friends Ade and Tayo live in a village in the African rain forest. When their mothers leave for the day, they tell the boys to finish their chores and stay out of the jungle. Ignoring these commands, the friends venture to Odo Ere, or Lake of the Big Snake, and cross to the other side to feast on berries. Unfortunately, a huge water snake prevents their return. Various attempts to outwit the wily creature fail before the two boys finally come up with a solution and manage to return home to face their unhappy mothers. Based on the author's memories of a lake near his childhood home in Nigeria and on various tales he heard about a monstrous snake that lived there, this story has the tone of a traditional tale. Shepard's watercolor illustrations work well with the text to depict the jungle encounter between boys and reptile.
Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. The lure of the forbidden leads two young boys to an adventure greater than they've bargained for in this African rain forest story. Best friends Ade and Tayo know they're not supposed to leave home while their mothers are out, but they can't resist the mysterious allure of Lake of the Big Snake. They're delighted to find tasty berries, but not so happy when they encounter a huge snake that blocks their way back across the lake. Looming just as large is the prospect of facing their mothers when they return home so late. This well-told tale, based on Olaleye's childhood memories, provides engaging drama and introduces young ones to the sights and culture of a small African village. The beautiful watercolor paintings are lush and layered, contrasting the mystique of the pale, misty lake with the bright colors and patterns of the boys' African cloth shirts. Young ones will also enjoy the great read-aloud rhythm, with lots of sound effects included in the simple, yet dramatic text. Shelle Rosenfeld

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563970961
• ISBN-13: 978-1563970962
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #818,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Watch out for that snake!, September 29, 2002

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lake of the Big Snake (Hardcover)

"Lake of the Big Snake: An African Rain Forest Adventure" combines a story by Isaac Olaleye with illustrations by Claudia Shepard. The easy-to-read text opens, "In an African rain forest called Inisa, lived two boys, Ade and Tayo. Best friends they were." The friends have an adventure which, as the title hints, involves a startling encounter with a huge water snake.

This book features some really beautiful illustrations: the colorful African clothing, bright green foliage of the rain forest, purple berries, etc. Ultimately, it presents commendable messages about loyalty, courage, and the danger of irresponsibility.