My Bibi Always Remembers

June 2, 2014
The duo behind Stay Close to Mama and Just Like My Papa returns with another cross-generational animal story set in the African savanna. Like Twiga the giraffe in Stay Close to Mama, Tembo the elephant is easily distracted, darting away from her family as they search for water. “When Tembo looks up,” writes Buzzeo, “she is all alone. Wind whistles through the acacia trees. Tembo squeals. Which way should I go? She waits and listens.” The story reaches its dramatic apex the third time Tembo wanders off for a nap, awakening as “hyenas laugh” and “lions huff” nearby. Wohnoutka amplifies the danger by placing the predators in the foreground amid the dark shadows and ruddy colors of sunset, but Tembo’s family isn’t far off, and a sense of security is quickly reestablished. Buzzeo emphasizes the important matriarchal role of Tembo’s grandmother, Bibi, throughout, and endnotes offer additional information on how these eldest elephants lead and protect their families. In both text and art, it’s a careful and effective balance of anthropomorphic warmth and real-world animal behavior. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary.

May 15, 2014
The vast savanna is parched and dry, and grandmother Bibi is the only elephant who remembers the way to desperately needed water.Mischievous little Tembo follows Bibi and her mama, aunties and sisters as they go "[s]earching for wet." Along the way, she is often distracted, stopping to chew the leaves of a jackalberry tree, chasing some storks or taking a nap in a lovely cool spot. Each time, she finds herself alone, separated from the herd. She squeals and then listens until a family member locates her and escorts her back to the herd. Finally Bibi locates the remembered spot, where they all dig down through the dry riverbed until they reach the precious water. Tembo is childlike and appealing, but all her actions are also consistent with elephant behavior as explained in an author's note describing the dynamics of elephant family groups. The elephants' thoughts are shown in italics, indicating that they are not voiced, while Bibi's call is expressed as a "rummmmble." Several phrases are repeated multiple times, creating a sense of continuity and rhythm along with reassurance that all will be well. Wohnoutka's lovely illustrations, in tans, purples and grays, convey the vastness of the setting, along with accurate depictions of the elephants and the other watchful animals.A gentle, loving picture of interaction among generations. (Picture book. 3-7)

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June 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Tembo, an adventurous young elephant, is so eager to explore the African savannah that she keeps straying from her family and the direction the herd is heading in search of water. Each time she loses her way, she stops and listens for the trumpeting of her grandmother. "When Bibi calls, /everyone comes-one by one./Step-step./ Searching for wet." Buzzeo weaves singsong repetition into a story about this curious little elephant who enjoys her freedom and independence but always keeps the security of her family within reach. Wohnoutka's full-bleed, full-spread illustrations show a expansive landscape filled with beauty but with hints of danger. An author's note gives brief information about African elephants. With its catchy rhythm and finely crafted text and art, this book is perfect for group sharing.-Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2014
Preschool-K In this companion to Stay Close to Mama (2012) and Just like My Papa (2013), Buzzeo introduces an elephant calf, Tembo, and her grandmother, Bibi. As the herd wanders across the parched savanna, everyone responds to Bibi's low, rumbling call, for she remembers the water hole's location. Meanwhile, Tembo keeps getting distracted, losing her way. Sensing trouble, she squeals for help, listens for Bibi's trumpeting response, and awaits rescue from Mom or her aunts. By nightfall everyone has arrived at a sandy riverbed where they dig deep with their tusks until they find water. Buzzeo's lyrical text begs to be performed, and listeners will enjoy chanting the refrain: When Bibi calls, / everyone comes / one by one. / Step-step. / Searching for wet. Wohnoutka's appealing artwork conveys the details of elephant behavior and reassures listeners that Tembo is well protected. An author's note clarifies pachyderm social structures. Pair with Caitlin O'Connell's A Baby Elephant in the Wild (2014) for another look at growing up on the savanna.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)