From School Library Journal
Grade 2-3–The author of the adult The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mystery series originally published these delightful children's stories in Great Britain in the early 1990s. His short, illustrated chapter-book adventures will transport American readers to the plains of Africa where Akimbo lives with his parents on a Kenyan game reserve. His father works as a park ranger, and, on occasion, Akimbo is allowed to accompany him while he works. In
Elephants, the two encounter a dead elephant, killed for its tusks. When the poachers aren't found immediately, Akimbo devises a plan to catch them in the act. After several suspenseful moments, the boy's simple, yet innocent plan works. In
Lions, the child accompanies his father and other rangers as they investigate news of lion attacks. The plan is to trap the marauding animal and take it to another area, but by accident, they capture its cub. The African setting, dramatic full-page pencil illustrations, and the animal facts woven into the stories are sure to capture young readers.
–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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McCall Smith, famous for his Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries, has written a top-notch children's story; young listeners will be transported to the heart of Africa, to plains where the grass "grows taller than a man." In Akimbo's dry, hot world, elephants still roam wild; the boy lives near a game reserve where his father protects the park and its creatures. The story is sobering: Akimbo is stirred to action when he witnesses a baby elephant orphaned by ruthless poachers who want the mother elephant's ivory tusks. Not only is McCall Smith a wonderful writer, he's a wonderful reader, and his dignified voice adds great depth to the listening experience. Children and adults alike will hang on his words as they accompany Akimbo on his brave and dangerous mission: catching the poachers who kill the elephants he loves. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine--
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