My Rows and Piles of Coins [Hardcover]

Tololwa M. Mollel (Author), E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

"I emptied my secret money box, arranged the coins in piles and the piles in rows . . ." The market is full of wonderful things, but Saruni is saving his precious coins for a red and blue bicycle. How happy he will be when he can help his mother carry heavy loads to market on his very own bicycle--and how disappointed he is to discover that he hasn't saved nearly enough! Determination and generosity are at the heart of this satisfying tale, set in Tanzania and illustrated with glowing watercolors that capture the warmth of Saruni's family and the excitement of market day.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The creators of Big Boy place this story of a resourceful and thoughtful boy in the 1960s Tanzania of Mollel's childhood. Saruni receives coins from his mother for helping her to cart goods to town each market day. His goal is to save enough money to buy a bicycle to transport these loads more efficiently and to run other errands for his parents. While his savings accumulate in his "secret money box," the child determinedly practices on his father's bike, first learning to ride without falling and then to balance a load of vegetables on the bike. One day Saruni feels he has collected enough money to buy a new bike, but his hopes are dashed by the scornful laughter of the bicycle vendor. Luckily, the boy's father announces that it is just the right amount of money to purchase his bicycle (and then returns the money to his son). In an ending that makes this selfless hero an inspiration to readers, Saruni contemplates using his savings to buy a cart to pull behind his bike, to further lighten the loads his mother must carry. Lewis's engaging and lifelike paintings convincingly portray a range of images and emotions, including the verdant Tanzanian landscape and bustling marketplace, and, most affectingly, the strong bond between this boy and his loving parents. Ages 5-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-A warm family story set in Tanzania in the 1960s. Saruni is a picture of determination as he learns to ride his father's big bicycle and saves his small earnings to buy one of his own in order to help his mother deliver her goods to market. After months of work, he takes his coins to the bicycle seller, who adds them up and responds with humiliating laughter. However, Saruni is rewarded when his father buys a motorbike and "sells" his old bicycle to his son. In the end, Saruni's parents refuse his payment, preferring to give him the bike as a reward for his help. At story's end, he is again saving his coins-this time to buy a cart to pull behind his bicycle and further lighten his mother's load. The first-person story contains several universal childhood experiences: the pride in persevering and gaining a new skill and in making an unselfish contribution to the family. Since the narrative focus is on the boy's own goals, the story is natural and never excessively moralistic. The fluid, light-splashed watercolor illustrations lend a sense of place and authenticity. Watching Saruni's savings mount visually is a nice touch. A short glossary gives the meaning and pronunciation of frequently used words. Deft and effective.
Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1 edition (August 23, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395751861
• ISBN-13: 978-0395751862
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #348,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Money

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Pictures and Storyline, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: My Rows and Piles of Coins (Hardcover)

This book is so beautifully illustrated and written. The story line of saving money for a desired purchase (a red and blue bike), took me back to my own childhood. Readers can feel the child's disappointment over not having enough money. As a wonderful addition, the child wants to save for a bike in order to help his mother carry her heavy loads. This was a truly enjoyable read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Rows and Piles of Coins, October 5, 2009

By 

L. Williams (Montgomery,Al) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Rows and Piles of Coins (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my child and it was truly wonderful. We learned how to pronounce different words, and it thought a wonderful lesson as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Character Really Does Count, March 15, 2009

By 

Chris Bowen - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Rows and Piles of Coins (Hardcover)

With so many schools adopting some form of character education, this book is a must for any teacher's collection. I have read this book with first and second graders and I've read it with seventh and eighth graders, too. With both groups the book holds their attention and forces them to think critically about how they view their own small worlds. Kids naturally place themselves at the center of their worlds. This book eloquently makes them take a step back and consider the feelings of others. The book has allowed me to engage kids of all ages in discussions about gratitude and what it means to do for others.

Chris Bowen
Author of, "Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom"