Rating: *** 3 stars

Erika Pál,
Azad's Camel
Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2009.

 Ages 5-8

A beautifully illustrated story about an orphan who is taken away to be trained for camel racing. He experiences a dangerous and scary time along with other children similarly entrapped in this sport, but makes his escape into the desert with his camel. There he finds a welcome home at last amongst the Bedouin who sing a song to him of his bravery. Both pictures and text tell the tale well; the text is unfussily and effectively combined with the full-page illustrations. This is a commendable title aiming to broaden children’s understanding of the world and the varied ways in which people across the globe experience life. It offers opportunities for discussion and comparison, and for considering real life situations beyond our own lives.

Urmi Chana
March 2010, No. 181

Guide to the rating system:
***** 5 stars, unmissable
**** 4 stars, very good
*** 3 stars, good
** 2 stars, fair
* 1 star, poor