Safari Journal (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) [Hardcover]

Hudson Talbott (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)

Twelve-year-old Carey Monroe has no idea what he's in for when his wacky aunt Elaine drags him along on an African safari. Soon after arriving in Kenya, Carey meets a Maasai man and his son, who open Carey's eyes to the ways of their people and the beauty of the African landscape and wildlife. Their adventures turn suspenseful when they encounter an international poaching ring that trades illegally in rhino horns and elephant tusks.
Explore the world of the Maasai people at Carey's side by reading his journal, filled with his vivid accounts, photographs, and illustrations. Hudson Talbott has created an exciting, informative safari story that will fascinate readers of all ages.
An author's note provides cultural context for Carey's adventures.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-This fictional diary of a 12-year-old boy provides information, adventure, and entertainment through photographs, illustrations, handwritten diary entries, and hastily scribbled notes. Carey is to spend two weeks in Kenya with his "wacky Aunt Elaine," who is a fashion photographer on her way to a photo shoot. After arriving, he befriends Mutongai, a Maasai man who was hired to drive the supplies overland to the shoot locations, and his son Pilot. Through a combination of facts, observations, and illustrations, each animal they encounter is introduced. Carey joins Mutongai and Pilot on their drive from Amboseli to the Maasai Mara Reserve. The trip takes the three on an unforgettable safari and Carey sees a side of Kenya that few outsiders ever encounter. Along the way, readers will catch glimpses of how the Maasai are trying to preserve their land and way of life. Thrown into the mix is a plot involving poachers and endangered rhinos. The information is delivered in thought-provoking and humorous ways and the lively journal/scrapbook entries will have wide appeal, including reluctant readers. This title could be used to initiate discussions about cultural identity, endangered animals, and ecotourism. An author's note provides brief background information.
Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

HUDSON TALBOTT has illustrated many books for children, including O'Sullivan Stew: A Tale Cooked Up in Ireland, which he also wrote, and Leonardo's Horse. He divides his time between New York City and upstate New York.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015216393X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152163938
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #768,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Must Have Book!, June 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Safari Journal (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

This Book is a great innovative book that is a 12 1/2 year old's fictious journal of his African Safari. There is action, adventure, humor and factual information about african animals, Swahili words, Massai people and wildlife preserves in Africa.

It's the most innovative children's book I've seen in a long time and will appeal to any child between the ages of 6 and 15. DON'T HESITATE -- BUY THIS BOOK! (you won't regret it!)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, June 12, 2003

By 

N. A. Prianti "napria" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Safari Journal (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

This book was sent to me by a friend who knows I collect children's books. I had never heard of Hudson Talbott before, nor had I heard of this book.

It's fabulous! Safari Journal will appeal to both girls and boys ages 7 to 15, as well some adults. My 5 year old daughter asked me to read it the day it arrived, and she sat through the whole story, although it was quite a long story for a 5 year old! (I'm not so sure this would be typical, though.)

I love the photographs, the innovative way factual information is interwoven within a funny, adventureous story and the feeling that you are reading the actual journal of this 12 1/2 year old.

Side note: If you've ever been to Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge and liked it, you'll LOVE this book. It highlights the same animals you'll see there and the same people that are showcased in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fictional journal for children and adults, October 29, 2009

By 

Love Big Cats "(Lynne)" (North Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Safari Journal (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

This is one of my favorite books. I love photography and artwork, especially journals and diaries. I use this book for inspiration in my own artwork. It is like reading someone's travel journal. Great clippings and artwork and journal entries and photos. If you love journaling get this book!