Mimi's Village

August 1, 2012
This entry in the CitizenKid series successfully conveys to readers both the importance of health care/disease prevention and the limited availability of these in the third world. The fortunate good health of Mimi's family is threatened after a forbidden sip of stream water sickens her little sister. An hour-long walk to the clinic in the next village brings improved health to Nakkissi, vaccinations to all three children and a dream to Mimi of building a clinic in their own village. Determination and cooperation pay off three months later when Nurse Tela makes the first of her bi-weekly visits to dispense health care and instruction in hygiene, nutrition and the use of bed nets to prevent malaria. Backmatter introduces readers to a real "Nurse Tela" working in Zambia, details why basic health care is so important, and gives readers ideas on how they can make a difference. Fernandes' folk-art-style acrylic artwork is rich in patterns and beautifully portrays both village life and the Kenyan landscape. She skillfully uses the juxtaposition of foreground and background to match the illustrations with the extensive text, as when a leopard and hyena menacingly wait outside the hut where the family gathers around the ill child. Readers will take much away from this, including an appreciation for their health-care resources and a desire to make a difference in the world. (map, glossary) (Picture book. 6-10)

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October 1, 2012

Gr 1-4-This book is part of a series that intends to educate and inspire youngsters to help other children around the world. Milway explains in simple language the dangers that millions of children face without access to fundamental health care such as vaccinations, basic medicine, proper pre- and postnatal care, and clean drinking water. While telling an engaging story of how Mimi's village in western Kenya comes to have its own clinic and nurse, the text relates the dangers the people face. The nurse brings not only medical supplies, but also the knowledge and education the village needs to be proactive against diseases and malnutrition. The story builds hope that these deadly forces are not insurmountable. The text and tone are not condescending-the villagers work together to build the clinic, petition the governmental health department, and eventually educate others about basic health care and sanitation. The illustrations are colorful, showing the vibrancy of the people, their dress, and the landscape. East African cultural references are woven into the text, allowing readers to gain knowledge of the languages, animals, and even foods of the region. This topic is a heavy one, but the book ends with several pages of practical, child-friendly suggestions about how readers can help others who lack these fundamental resources. It's a great tool to use to expand children's worldviews about the basic needs of other kids around the world.-Lisa Crandall, Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2012
Grades 2-5 Through the fictionalized viewpoint of a small child in rural Kenya today, this picture book in the CitizenKid series tells young readers about the urgent need to improve lives in developing countries through access to clean water, protection from mosquitoes, and more basic essentials that most U.S. kids take for granted. While carrying a can filled from a stream, Mini Malaho knows that her family has to boil water before they can drink it. But her little sister, Nakkissi, is so thirsty that Mimi gives her two handfuls of the brownish water. Nakkissi becomes critically ill, but she is saved just in time when the family gets her to the health clinic in the next village. Then Mimi helps her village build its own clinic. The nurse helps Mama give birth, the children get vaccinations, and nets sprayed with insecticides keep off the deadly mosquitoes. With bright, lively acrylic illustrations, the story is followed with several informative spreads, including ways that young readers can help create change.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)