Rating: *** 3 stars

Mwenye Hadithi, illustrated by Adrienne Kennaway,
Bumping Buffalo
Hodder Children's Books, 2010.

 Ages 3-5

Buffalo runs around the savannah annoying the animals. They tell him to stop, but he does not listen. Eventually he gets his comeuppance. This animal fable has a convincing narrative tone coupled with excellent illustrations. The use of native African species with wonderful names (Toothbrush bush, Pepper-bark tree, Baobub tree) adds to the authenticity of the story. The painterly illustrations are strong, with a bold style. Animals are well depicted, with a lovely use of eyes to convey emotion and character. This is a delightful book that manages to bring the African grasslands to life vividly.

Vincent Reid
September 2010, No. 184

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