Wednesday, February 8, 2017

NOTHANDO'S JOURNEY by Jill Apperson Manly / Book Review


By: Jill Apperson Manly
Illustrated by: Alyssa Casey
Published by: JabuKids Press
Released on: February 23rd, 2016
Ages: 5 & up
Purchase from: Amazon 
Add it Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets - We Enjoyed It
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Nothando’s Journey is a journey in self-discovery told through the eyes of a young girl named Nothando.

The book tells of the Reed Festival, an important celebration in Nothando’s country of Swaziland in Southern Africa. Nothando and her brother venture into the unknown hills, in order to get to the festival on time.

As Nothando explores the hills of Swaziland, she visits with various animals—Nothando moves freely with the animals, and begins to become comfortable with who she is.

By the end of the book, the reader will soon learn that Nothando is “grateful to be Nothando.”


This is a wonderful story about one girl's journey in over coming her fear,  gaining self confidence, and believing in herself. 

Set in beautiful, Swaziland, the journey Nothando (which means "Love" in Swazi) takes with her brother, is a long, and dangerous one. Along the way she learns a lot from the wild animals around them. Taking their best characteristics, she uses those to build her self confidence. Strength that the lion posses, calm like the fish eagle, bravery like the baboon has, and much more.

With it's beautiful message, multicultural references, and it's mixed media illustrations, make for a book worth picking up and reading. This is a great book to have in elementary school libraries. 
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~