Anna Hibiscus' Songby Atinuke
illustrated by Lauren Tobia
I have recommended Anna Hibiscus books before. Our library has a few chapter books that are perfect books on Africa for early readers. I only recently discovered this picture book of Anna Hibiscus.
It is outstanding.
Anna Hibiscus is so happy she feels like she's going to burst. She goes from one family group to another, sharing her happiness and asking what she should do. They all have suggestions, mainly based on what they do when they are happy. She tries them all and her happiness just grows. Finally, in the end, she finds her own way of expressing happiness. She sings.
The joy of this book is tremendous. The love of her grandparents, aunties, uncle, and cousins is the background against which Anna Hibiscus delights in her life. They are just as delighted by her happiness as she is and share her joy spontaneously and tenderly, each in their own way.
Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa (Amazing Africa). Her father is African and her mother is white. None of that matters in the story, though it would be lovely to share this book with a child who was similar to Anna Hibiscus in that way. This is one of those delightful books that features a child of color without color being a focus.
Anna Hibiscus is amazing and I love welcoming her into my home! In fact, I want to invite her whole family over.
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. I checked this book out of the library. This review is my honest opinion.
