Description
Written with a storyteller's ear for cadence and repetition, the text has a sense of immediacy. Nicely composed and pleasing in their use of rounded forms and line, the broad double-page illustrations show up well from a distance.~ Booklist Wohnoutka's large, almost impressionistic paintings grant a rich glimpse of the broad savanna and its denizens. ~ School Library Journal Readers and their parents will instantly see themselves in this loving but ongoing conflict over the need to explore and the need to protect, and they'll undoubtedly find the two characters adorable and reassuring.~ Publisher's Weekly In 1995, I visited Kenya, Africa and first heard the story of a baby giraffe I imagined to be Twiga. While in the original story, Twiga fell into a swimming pool at a wildlife sanctuary, I imagined other adventures he might have had and ways that he would try to satisfy his curiosity while his mama tried desperately to keep him safe. Mike's amazingly beautiful illustrations capture the beauty of the savannah from daybreak at the beginning of the book to the sunset at the end. Toni Buzzeo is the New York Times Best Selling children's author of sixteen picture books with three more forthcoming. For sixteen years, she worked as a school librarian in Portland where she honed her knowledge of children's literature.xa0 Combining this knowledge with her love of children, Toni writes about characters of all stripes (including giraffes dinosaurs, loons, ducklings, teachers, and librarians) who explore their worlds, their relationships, and themselves in settings that include peaceful Maine lakes, rocky lighthouse islands, the African savannah as well as aquariums and the interiors of fictional public and school libraries.xa0Toni is well known for her lively spirit and her sense of humor. Mike Wohnoutka is the acclaimed illustrator of more than 20 children's books.xa0His books include Moo! , whichxa0was an ALA Notable Bookxa0and Little Puppy and the Big Green Monster , which is his first book as both author and illustrator.xa0Mike's other titles have won numerous awards, including the National Jewish Book Award, Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award.xa0A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Mike lives with his wife and two children in Minneapolis, Minnesota.xa0Visit Mike on his website:xa0mikewohnoutka.com Read more
Features & Highlights
- A warm read aloud for curious children taking their first steps into the jungle of the world.
- In the wide, shining world there is so much to see, and Twiga is curious. But Twiga's tall, tall Mama wants her baby to stay close, stay safe from the dangers that lurk near each irresistible sweet smell and sparkling sight that Twiga finds. With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, this story of a mother's love will soothe and delight readers of all ages.
