From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-- A gentle story about a boy from the Andes mountains and his pet llama, born with one eye, who sail to America to live with his aunt and uncle for ``a year or two.'' He helps his fellow Explorers Club members find shelter on a stormy mountain top and rescue their injured advisor. Before he returns to South America, Roberto convinces the Explorers to admit two new members--one boy who is blind and another who has two artificial legs. The portrayal of the two physically challenged boys and their interaction with the others on the camping trip is the book's strength. The picture of life in the Andes and the relationship between Roberto and his pet are also presented well. The handsome watercolors, both full-page and miniature drawings interspersed with the text, extend readers' understanding of the story. Despite its successes, however--and this book has many--there are three flaws that detract from it. First, the text is blatant and repetitious in its didacticism. Second, there are some real problems with simple mechanics, the most notable of which is missing or misplaced commas. Finally, in spite of the fact that the story takes place in several different settings, consists of several isolated incidents, and has a lengthy narration, it is presented in picture-book format instead of being divided into chapters. Because of the delightful illustrations and the excellent handling of disability, it is still worth considering. --Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & Information Studies, East Carolina Univ . , Greenville, NC
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Roberto spends two years in the U.S. with his one-eyed llama and overcomes prejudice against him and two physically disabled students.
