Kidogo
Summary: This book is a story about Kidogo, a young elephant who is convinced he is the smallest creature on the earth. Kidogo decides to go on an adventure to see if he can find anyone who is as small as he. He travels through woodlands, along the river, across the plains, and he finally stops deciding he will just have to do things for himself when he realizes while taking a bath something itching and tickling him that will not go away. He then realizes ants that are underneath him who are much smaller then him. Helping the ants in the book makes him see that he is just the right size for a little elephant.
Summary of Professional Reviews: Kidogo is rated a high 2 on the Horn Book guide online and it also has a well written Kirkus review. Horn Book states that this book uses muted watercolor and pencil illustrations that depict Kidogo's quest and introduce landscapes and their multiple species. Using watercolor helps create a real life illustration that shows these species such as ants that help Kidogo put his size into perspective. Kirkus reviews state that even if the illustrator and author used muted washed out water colors as well that they do indeed stay true to African landscapes. The book is sweet according to Kirkus but it is necessary in the collection of children's books that should be bought.
Review by Sasha Ishak: The picture book, Kidogo demonstrates qualities of a well written, well created story about a little elephant trying to find someone as small as him. The text is simple but it helps a reader see Kidogo’s journey hands on through a series of places. Kidogo travels around different African Landscapes that are truly shown.The author allows readers to make a connection between their own life and Kidogo’s life as a little elephant. The format of the picture book along with the text allows a reader to travel along the journey of self discovery and self acceptance. The illustrations combined with the text draw in readers. The use of watercolor in the picture book makes it interesting and exciting for readers. The colors are washed out as both reviews stated but it doesn’t entirely effect the overall meaning of the book. The emotions of love, acceptance, and a sense of kindness is shown throughout the book. Even though the text is simple and not overly detailed the illustrations draw in a reader, keeping him/ her interested.
This book would be useful when teaching...
Teachers can read this book to students who are in Kindergarten or even 1st grade. The text is simple and easy to understand. Reading this in story time on a carpet allows children to understand self acceptance issues. This book teaches children how to relate to their own lives by accepting themselves and everything they have to offer. It allows children to see how important they are even though they might be little. Size doesn't determine whether or not a child can do things by themselves.
Summary of Professional Reviews: Kidogo is rated a high 2 on the Horn Book guide online and it also has a well written Kirkus review. Horn Book states that this book uses muted watercolor and pencil illustrations that depict Kidogo's quest and introduce landscapes and their multiple species. Using watercolor helps create a real life illustration that shows these species such as ants that help Kidogo put his size into perspective. Kirkus reviews state that even if the illustrator and author used muted washed out water colors as well that they do indeed stay true to African landscapes. The book is sweet according to Kirkus but it is necessary in the collection of children's books that should be bought.
Review by Sasha Ishak: The picture book, Kidogo demonstrates qualities of a well written, well created story about a little elephant trying to find someone as small as him. The text is simple but it helps a reader see Kidogo’s journey hands on through a series of places. Kidogo travels around different African Landscapes that are truly shown.The author allows readers to make a connection between their own life and Kidogo’s life as a little elephant. The format of the picture book along with the text allows a reader to travel along the journey of self discovery and self acceptance. The illustrations combined with the text draw in readers. The use of watercolor in the picture book makes it interesting and exciting for readers. The colors are washed out as both reviews stated but it doesn’t entirely effect the overall meaning of the book. The emotions of love, acceptance, and a sense of kindness is shown throughout the book. Even though the text is simple and not overly detailed the illustrations draw in a reader, keeping him/ her interested.
This book would be useful when teaching...
Teachers can read this book to students who are in Kindergarten or even 1st grade. The text is simple and easy to understand. Reading this in story time on a carpet allows children to understand self acceptance issues. This book teaches children how to relate to their own lives by accepting themselves and everything they have to offer. It allows children to see how important they are even though they might be little. Size doesn't determine whether or not a child can do things by themselves.