Official Review: The Mahogany Dancer by Kamon

[bookowlie]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mahogany Dancer" by Kamon.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Mahogany Dancer written and illustrated by Kamon is a children’s picture book about a girl who has been living in an orphanage since her father died. Feeling sad and alone now that he is gone, Nangoma finds comfort and inspiration under a favorite mahogany tree. Her late father had always told her to act to make her dreams become a reality, instead of sitting around and thinking about them. Nangoma hopes to become a ballerina someday and used to take lessons before her father became too sick to take her to the dance studio. Left with her father’s phone after his passing, she starts making up her own dance moves after finding rap music on the phone.

I enjoyed this heartwarming story with a positive message. Nangoma is a plucky, self-reliant character who tries to pursue her dreams. The plot includes a few inventive scenes, such as Nangoma jotting down dance moves in a notebook while watching a video at a local cafe.

There is a full-length illustration accompanying each page of text. The author’s artwork is beautiful with whimsical touches, such as cute insects in the background. There is a graceful feel to the pictures which complement the storyline nicely. The illustration of Nangoma hugging the mahogany tree is particularly sweet.

The writing has a stilted quality that doesn’t always flow smoothly. As a result, I found myself rereading a few passages for clarity. Some of the words and phrasing are a bit sophisticated for a child to comprehend, such as “publicity,” “stay in the present moment,” “pods,” and “innovative.” In addition, the word “baobab” is not commonly known and it’s not easily understood from the surrounding text. For the record, “baobab” is a type of fruit tree found in Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia.

The main character is given a short backstory. However, it isn’t stated how old she is or even her general age group. I initially thought Nangoma was around ten years old, but it wasn’t clear and I questioned my assumption after reading further in the story. Without knowing this basic information, I had no reference point during certain aspects of the plot. It also isn’t mentioned what Miss Leondre’s job is, although it can be assumed she serves some type of function at the orphanage where Nangoma lives.

This book has earned a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. Children ages 5-10 would enjoy this uplifting story with a universal message. It would be a good read-aloud choice for parents and young children, so that the adults could explain what the more advanced terms mean.

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The Mahogany Dancer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

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[gali]

Great review! Sounds like a cute book for kids.

[bookowlie]

Thanks Gali! It was a nice story with useful lessons for kids. I assume it would be appeal more to girls than boys since Kamgoma wants to be a ballerina!

[Kamon]

Thank you Bookowlie for your honest and very well written review of my book.
I like it! ☺☺☺

[bookowlie]

You are most welcome. I am very impressed that you both illustrated and wrote the story. Well done.

[bluemel4]

I really enjoyed this review. It is very honest and well-written. I love the description of the illustrations.

[bookowlie]

Thanks Bluemel! With a children's book, the artwork is almost as important as the story in appealing to kids.

[Kamon]

I write in both languages, French and English, I draw , format and publish myself....love to do that...I wish the sales would be enough for me to live without having to work as teach to ean a living. I love teaching, but I could do much more...my brain is exploding with ideas... maybe one day, my dream will come true... thank you all for your support, it means a lot ... xox

[bookowlie]

I write in both languages, French and English, I draw , format and publish myself....love to do that...I wish the sales would be enough for me to live without having to work as teach to ean a living. I love teaching, but I could do much more...my brain is exploding with ideas... maybe one day, my dream will come true... thank you all for your support, it means a lot ... xox

I wish you much luck on the sales of your books. There are marketing and writers' subforums here where writers share ideas about how to market books to increase sales, writing suggestions, etc.

[Heidi M Simone]

Great review, bookowlie, as usual . I really enjoyed reading it! Sounds like a good read for kids. I agree with that this may appeal to girls versus boys. Does she end up growing up in the book? I'm wondering if her dream of being a dancer became a reality as an adult.

[bookowlie]

Great review, bookowlie, as usual . I really enjoyed reading it! Sounds like a good read for kids. I agree with that this may appeal to girls versus boys. Does she end up growing up in the book? I'm wondering if her dream of being a dancer became a reality as an adult.

Thanks for the kind words. No spoilers. All I will say is that Nangoma has a determined, positive attitude.

[Heidi M Simone]

Great review, bookowlie, as usual . I really enjoyed reading it! Sounds like a good read for kids. I agree with that this may appeal to girls versus boys. Does she end up growing up in the book? I'm wondering if her dream of being a dancer became a reality as an adult.

Thanks for the kind words. No spoilers. All I will say is that Nangoma has a determined, positive attitude.

Fair enough.

[bookowlie]

Great review, bookowlie, as usual . I really enjoyed reading it! Sounds like a good read for kids. I agree with that this may appeal to girls versus boys. Does she end up growing up in the book? I'm wondering if her dream of being a dancer became a reality as an adult.

Thanks for the kind words. No spoilers. All I will say is that Nangoma has a determined, positive attitude.

Fair enough.

It pained me to tell say no spoilers! I am one of those people that wishes they could talk about twists or the ending of a story. That's why I like the BOTM discussions - we can actually talk about that stuff.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thanks for the kind words. No spoilers. All I will say is that Nangoma has a determined, positive attitude.

Fair enough.

It pained me to tell say no spoilers! I am one of those people that wishes they could talk about twists or the ending of a story. That's why I like the BOTM discussions - we can actually talk about that stuff.

I know what you mean! I completely understand. . In my latest book review, I wanted to say something so badly, but knew I couldn't because it would be spoiler.

BOTM discussions are great because we don't have to filter, like you said.

[Kamon]

I'm reading all these comments and I am truly delighted... the book is free on Google play, iTunes, Barnes and Nobles, and Smashwords. .. take it while it is still free...have a nice weekend all...