Goldsmith, F. (2006). Kampung Boy. Booklist, 103(2), 61. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from Article Citation database.

Rutherford, D. (2006). Boy. School Library Journal, 52(11), 167. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from Article Citation database.
 

'Sweet, funny, and brilliantly drawn, Kampung Boy is one of the all-time great cartoon books' - Matt Groening (The Simpsons)

Lat's Kampung Boy is a timeless favourite of millions of readers in Southeast Asia. With masterful economy worthy of Charles Schultz, Lat recounts the life of Mat, a Muslim boy growing up in rural Malaysia in the 1950s: his adventures and mischief-making, fishing trips, religious education, and work on his family's rubber plantation.
Meanwhile, the traditional way of life in his village (or kampung) is steadily disappearing, with tin mines and factory jobs increasingly overtaking the village's agricultural way of life. When Mat himself leaves for boarding school, he can only hope that his familiar kampung will still be there when he returns.

This delightful autobiographical graphic novel is hilarious and affectionate, with brilliant, super-expressive artwork that opens a window into ordinary Malay life.

Such is the affection for this book in his native Malaysia, Lat has been honoured as one of that country's national treasures, entitled to the honorary title, 'Datuk'. ( )

Annotation: Life in a kampung, or village, is described through the author's memories of growing up in a traditional Malaysian village.

Review: Lat traces his life from birth to the moment he leaves his village to go to school in a near by village. The illustrations are detailed black and white line drawings made in a sketch, or line ink, style. The illustrations are vibrant and show scenes from Lat's life. Especially nice are the the illustrations that depict Lat going swimming with the neighborhood boys, where a real sense of fun is communicated through the art.

The book shows life in Malayasia in the 1950's and touches on Muslim culture, the economic situation in the village with the description of the tin mines, and social customs such as as gender roles. The plot of the book is a little thin, but there is much for the reader to take in about life in a kampung. Kampung Boy is a enjoyable read that will be enjoyed by younger and older readers of graphic novels.

Reviews: The reviews of Kampung Boy talk about its timeless quality since it was written in the late 70's, although it was first released in the U.S. in 1996. I agree that the most of the struggles and adventures Lat goes through will have universal appeal to children of all backgrounds.

Source: Teacher Librarian. 34.3 February 2007 ( )

I felt the kampung

come alive. Sweet tale of life

in a simpler time.

Lat is a superstar in Asia! His artwork is collected avidly. This is his introduction into the United States. We should see more books in the years to come featuring Muslim life in the kampung (village). It is the 1950’s and we follow a Muslim boy through his daily life. Technology is just beginning to make demands, and production pressures may mark the end of an era for this kampung—an era that shows us hair cutting rituals, religious traditions, and even circumcision in a tasteful, laid back style that matches the time and the place perfectly. Just how many books can we name that feature historical details about Muslims? Recommended for all middle school libraries and high school readers who appreciate fine graphic novels.