Official Review: Jabulani by Jonathan Stotler

Amagine · Post by **Amagine** » 30 Mar 2017, 15:09

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jabulani" by Jonathan Stotler.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Children are introduced to many wonderful things that becomes a part of their lives. They are introduced to their culture and heritage. They also become accustomed to family and a sense of community. In Jabulani, by Jonathan Stoler, we are introduced to Jabulani’s community and South African culture. This brilliantly covered picture book, takes us on a trip into Jabulani’s heritage. We learn about his culture, his family and how small acts of kindness can have a huge and positive impact.

The cover was the first thing that caught my eye as I found it very appealing. The cover page spoke volumes about what the story would entail with the bright color scheme representing the character’s culture and the detailed imagery in the background. In fact, all the illustrations in the book were well drawn. Children learn just as well from pictures as they do from words. Young readers can really get a visual insight into Jabulani’s community just by looking at the images. They can feel as if they really took a trip to South Africa to witness all its magnificence.

The plot was well paced and the story was both enlightening and informative. It was enlightening because of the small lessons given throughout the story on the theme of kindness. The author wanted to make sure that children gain important tips that can help them to one day make a positive impact on someone else. It was informative, because in the story, children are exposed to a different culture outside of their own. The author introduces new words from Jabulani’s culture and cleverly puts them in a simplified context that children will be able to understand. Another thing to note, I loved that at the end of the story, he had separate pages with a reader’s guide and a glossary. I thought they were an excellent touch.

Jabulani is an individual that children should be introduced to. In the books, he opens children’s minds to interesting things and different ways of living. He also serves as a great role model as he demonstrates kindness and love for his community all throughout the book. He is proud of his heritage and after reading this story, children can feel a sense of pride about their own as well.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is an excellent book for children aged, 6-9. The illustrations are well done, the plot is enlightening and there is so much to learn and be gained from the story. If I had to give a negative, it would be that at times, I felt the story was a little too lengthy. Besides that, this is a book I would recommend teachers to have in their classrooms and families to have in their homes.

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Jabulani
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Donnavila Marie01 · Post by **Donnavila Marie01** » 31 Mar 2017, 03:14

The cover of the book is inviting. Jabulani will inspire the young to study and understand other cultures. African culture is full of mysteries.

Amagine · Post by **Amagine** » 31 Mar 2017, 07:55

Donnavila Marie01 wrote:The cover of the book is inviting. Jabulani will inspire the young to study and understand other cultures. African culture is full of mysteries.

It is very inviting and pleasing to the eye. I loved how just by looking at the cover you can get a real sense of Jabulani's culture. I hope that this book encourages young readers to explore other cultures outside of their own. Thank you for reading!