Review of Animal Village

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Animal Village" by Nelda LaTeef.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The attractive cover of this children's book caught my eye. It looks like it could be part of a trailer for a Disney movie. Animal Village is the creation of Nelda LaTeef who is the author and illustrator. Often when this is the case, either the book is a vehicle to display artistic ability and the story lags, or the book is a vehicle to showcase the author's storytelling ability and the illustrations are secondary. Such is not the case in this book because LaTeef is a master of both storytelling and illustration.

The folktale is about a group of animals suffering during a drought in Africa. The lion king calls a meeting to ask for advice, and a tortoise speaks up with a solution. The beautifully crafted pictures that accompany the tale provide a visual image of the plight of the creatures in this village.

In addition to a delightful story, the attributes of hard work, determination, and forgiveness are subtly addressed. The recommended age for this book is four to eight, but the read-alone vocabulary level is geared to a much higher age group. However, this is a wonderful book to be read to that age group. Children would enjoy hearing the story, looking at the pictures, and cheering on the determined tortoise as he sings his work song.

Children's books with talking animals are expected to be unrealistic, but there are two things that might be questioned. The writer mentions that hens crow when they lay eggs. In my experience, roosters are the ones that crow, but hens cackle when they lay eggs. The second scenario is that these animals go for many days without water while doing physical work.

In spite of the slight negatives, my rating for this book is four out of four because it is a wonderful book. There were no grammatical errors. I heartily recommend this book to children of all ages. Parents will love reading this book over and over because the text flows beautifully, and there are many opportunities to incorporate voices, songs, and life lessons about unity and trust.

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Animal Village
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Mildred Echesa]

The book cover is the most attractive bit of this book. It looks so warm and welcoming to the reader. I enjoyed reading your review, and I am glad you loved the book.

[honeybear_11001]

Seems like a great read. I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for the wonderful insight and summary of the book. Can't wait to read it.

[CL Reviews]

i agree with you that the cover is really beautiful and it so much looks like a dsny book. i enjoyed reading your lovely review.

[Diana Lowery]

The book cover is the most attractive bit of this book. It looks so warm and welcoming to the reader. I enjoyed reading your review, and I am glad you loved the book.

Thanks, Sarah 1738. I love the cover, too.

[Diana Lowery]

Seems like a great read. I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for the wonderful insight and summary of the book. Can't wait to read it.

I hope you enjoy it.

[Diana Lowery]

i agree with you that the cover is really beautiful and it so much looks like a dsny book. i enjoyed reading your lovely review.

Thank you so much for your comments.

[Judy46]

I also noticed that the cover seemed like a disney trailer. I would like to read this book to my little brother. I'm sure he would love the story as well as the illustrations. Great review.

[Diana Lowery]

I also noticed that the cover seemed like a disney trailer. I would like to read this book to my little brother. I'm sure he would love the story as well as the illustrations. Great review.

You sound like a great big sister. I hope your brother enjoys the book.

[Oluwapelumi Rachael]

Interesting book, I must agree with you that the cover is definitely eye-catching and is well-suited to the book. This is a Beautiful summary.

[Diana Lowery]

Interesting book, I must agree with you that the cover is definitely eye-catching and is well-suited to the book. This is a Beautiful summary.

Thank you so much for your comment.

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

A beautiful review, I must say. And although it's a children's book, I would love to read it.

[Diana Lowery]

A beautiful review, I must say. And although it's a children's book, I would love to read it.

Thank you for your kind remarks.

[Ibunyi]

You write really well. The plot summary was intricately woven and developed. I love your conclusive opinion about the book.

[Diana Lowery]

Thank you, Ibunyi, for the compliment.