Paul Yee, illustrated by Shaoli Wang,
Shu-Li and Diego
Tradewind Books, 2009

Rating: E*

A late primary, early junior chapter book, Shu-Li and Diego, will delight young readers with its tale of good citizenship, lending a helping hand, responsibility building, and friendship. When their neighbour has to undergo surgery, Shu-Li and Diego take on the responsibility of caring for Mr. Simpson’s dog while he is hospitalized. Together, they learn the value of helping a neighbour in need; problem solving when their adventure goes wrong; helping a friend who is frightened; the art of negotiation with their parents; and the satisfaction of seeing a job through to the end. Through a school project, which requires each student to draw someone at work and share the story in class, they also learn about the backgrounds of their classmates’ parents in their multi-cultural neighourhood.

Filled with messages for growing good citizenship and understanding, this simple story will definitely be enjoyed by its intended audience.

Thematic Links: Citizenship; Friendship; Responsibility

Sharon Armstrong
Vol. 15, number 1
October 2009

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.