This debut picture book is based on a true story: in 1975, two chimpanzees raised at the London Zoo were introduced to a natural habitat in a protected area at the Gambian Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. Chimp siblings Tano and Binti are first seen peering out of a slatted wooden crate at their new home in the African forest. The curious and playful newcomers, "who will need to learn many new skills to survive," are saved by Amber, a senior chimp who teaches them a welcome wagon's worth of forest ways. Soon they can build tree nests, fish termites from their mounds, drink at the stream, hammer open nuts and fruit pods with stones. After tutoring the chimps, Amber disappears--only to return a year later with a baby and a mate. Andy Davolls's realistic pastels, in dusty, natural tints, afford an eye-level view of the chimps. The documentary-like effect gets an added boost from the format, featuring full-bleed illustrations on oversized pages. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Chimpanzees Tano and Binti were raised in the London Zoo and are being shipped to "the African forest" to be released. Amber, an adult female, befriends them and helps them feel comfortable in their new unfamiliar surroundings. She teaches them many things they need to know to survive, such as how to build a nest, and how to hunt and use tools such as sticks and rocks to gain access to certain food sources like termites and seeds. By the time their tutor leaves them, they are able to thrive on their own. Eventually Amber reappears, accompanied by a baby and a mate, and the three of them welcome the young chimps into their band. This picture book is based on the true story of two chimps born in the zoo in 1975 and returned to Gambia with the assistance of The Gambian Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. Although the text is logically organized, the style is occasionally dry and at times suffers from an anthropomorphic, all-knowing viewpoint that strains credibility. However, the large, dramatic pastel illustrations on textured paper are well executed, and are sure to hold the attention of young people, especially when shared in a group. The book's storylike presentation of a perennially fascinating subject guarantees interest.
Ellen Fader, Oregon State Library, Salem
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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