Precious and the Zebra Necklace

This is McCall Smith back where I first read his books, strong simple reading for emergent readers.  He is also back with his most famous character, Precious Ramotswe.

Precious as a girl is like her adult self, very kind and very curious.  When a new girl comes to her school she soon takes her under her wing.  But there is a mystery about Nancy, all she has of her mother is a photograph and a necklace made with zebra charms.

With a little help they trace where Nancy’s mother’s village must be and go to find it.  They almost immediately get lost in the bush and are rescued by a San boy.  All turns out well in the end.

It is a lovely story with a very distinctive voice, just like the adult Precious Ramotswe books, and beautifully illustrated by Iain McIntosh in three coloured prints.  I think any child would love the adventure of the story, the setting and the illustrations of wild animals in the bush.