Synopses & Reviews
A struggling young reader triumphsThere is something worrying Sarie at school. Every time her teacher says, “Children, take out your reading books,” Sarie feels sick. The letters in the book all run together, tripping her up so that she stumbles and falters, and the girls in the back always make fun of her. Only Saries old friend, Auntie Anna, seems to understand that letters and words can be difficult things to grasp. And it is Auntie Anna, with the help of a book from her own daughters childhood, who makes a unique Sunday ritual out of giving Sarie the help she needs, until the letters that were once her adversaries begin to seem friendly - just in time for Sarie to prove herself to the laughing girls at school.
Niki Dalys illustrations set Saries tale under the vast and beautiful skies of the South African Karoo, and his encouraging story conveys the power and magic of a good book and the joy of having a good friend to share it with.
Review
"The author is as adept at conveying the anxiety that accompanies failure as he is at depicting the pride felt with success...readers at any stage will appreciate the struggle." -- Starred,
School Library Journal"Daly once again captures a moment in a South African childhood and makes it universal with a simple story and beautiful watercolor illustrations. Sarie's confusion and subsequent joy are evident in her face as she and the reader discover the once-upon-a-time magic that reading offers together...an excellent choice for one-on-one sharing or lap story times." -- Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Niki Daly is the author and illustrator of many picture books, including
Old Bobs Brown Bear,
Whats Cooking, Jamela?, and
Jamelas Dress, an ALA Notable Book. He lives in Cape Town, South Africa.