Baba's Gift

This engaging family story is about two black children in Southern Africa. It is Lindi and Themba’s first visit to the seaside. Their grandfather has carved a beautiful wooden boat for them to play with on the beach. Walking through the cane fields on their way to catch the bus, they bombard their grandmother, Gogo, with questions about the size of the sea and what it is like. On the eventful journey, they go through a modern city with its hustle and bustle. On the beach, they befriend another family, which allows for sharing and varied dialogue. The children have a wonderful day, playing and eating a picnic together. Despite the loss of the toy boat, the story ends well.

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book with colours which are dramatic, warm and vibrant. The characters are sympathetically portrayed and relate well to each other throughout the story.