Niki Daly

South African children's author and illustrator Niki Daly transplants the classic European fairy-tale of Little Red Riding Hood to Ghana and gives it a West African flavor in this picture book retelling. Dispatched by her granny to the market, Petty Salma sets out, singing her trademark song. But when she takes a shortcut through the wild side of town on her way home, she encounters Mr. Dog, who manages to finagle her yellow sandals, white beads and stripy ntama (wrap-around skirt) out of show more her. One thing he can't take or reproduce however, is her song, something that gives him away, when he heads to Salma's house, pretending to be her. As granny is forced into the cooking pot, can Salma and her grandfather arrive in time to save her...?

Although long aware of Niki Daly's work, Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa is the first of his books that I have read. I found it an engaging and amusing fractured fairy-tale, and as someone who loves stories about West Africa's trickster hero, Anansi, I was charmed to see that Salma's grandfather was a storyteller dressed in an Anansi costume. The accompanying artwork, done in watercolor and digital media, was expressive and appealing, capturing the humor of the story quite well. I confess to being slightly disappointed that this wasn't an actual West African variant of the Little Red Riding Hood story as I originally thought—I love seeing the same story type retold from the traditions of diverse cultures—but rather a transplanted tale, but in the end I think Daly did a good job with his relocation. Recommended to fairy and folktale lovers, and to those seeking picture books with a West African culture setting. For my part, although this isn't destined to become a personal favorite, it has certainly convinced me that I need to seek out more of Niki Daly's work. show less

Family love comes across as a big, warm hug and leaves a smile.

Every morning this little boy walks to school, and usually it's with his mother, but some days, his Tata or Gogo accompany him (grandparents). On very special days, he gets to ride to school on is Papa's shoulders, and those are the most wonderful of all.

This is actually a very basic story about a very common activity: walking to school. But the author has brought it across with such care that the simplicity disappears, leaving show more familiar experiences and tons of good feelings. Each of the four family members takes their turn walking the boy to school, and each one holds a different atmosphere and experience. While there are different things they meet along the way (a cat, rain puddles, etc), it's the personality of the various people, which shines through and shows how each one is very special and important in their own way.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and carry a lighter flair. They don't sink in details, but then, hold more than enough for each scene to pull in. They allow the characters to hold their own appearances and give everything a natural appeal. It's hard not to smile as the boy meets his friends, grabs a hand, or walks along side each person.

It's amazing how something so simple can still grab in, and I believe it's the sense of familiarity, security, and warmth that does this. Even those readers, who don't walk to school, will recognize the situations of accompanying their family members somewhere and remember walking along side them. The differences are subtle between each person and, yet, obvious. None are less important than the other...except for the father, but that's due to the rarity. It's a special bond and nod to fathers, especially with the wonderful hints of the boy's attitude to his father on the last pages.

This is a read to cuddle up with and enjoy, and one that many readers will identify with. It definitely leaves a smile on the face. I received a DRC through the publisher and found this one so gentle and heartwarming. I was going to give it 4 stars but decided that anything that can leave that much happiness and smiles (and is well done) deserves the full 5. show less

I want to give this five stars. The specific setting of the Little Karoo, South Africa, is a vibrant character in its own right. Every character is authentic, even the non-speaking poultry and old car. It's a very original take on a popular theme.

But I'm a bit concerned that all Sarie needs to be able to learn to read is extra motivation and practice at home... how did she fall behind in the first place? Is it realistic, is it helpful to other struggling children? Or do those who struggle show more need more specific support?

I don't know. I never taught developing readers; I never met anyone like Sarie. If you say that her challenge and triumph are depicted realistically, and inspirationally, I will bump this to five stars.

In any case I still do recommend the book, and the author. Why hasn't anyone told me about Daly before?! show less

It's almost like Niki Daly has two personalities. There are picture-books focusing on the first people's of South Africa, like Jamela's Dress and The Herd Boy. I love those. Then there are the books about creative white kids that have no sense of place (though they feel, to me, more like the Australian children's books that I've read than those from the USA). This and Ruby Sings the Blues are of the second kind.

There are flaws, awkwardnesses, and pickable nits here. But it's so original, show more funny, heartfelt, and important, that I forgive them all. Nice ordinary kids, in a small private school, love their new art teacher, but the principal is torn between the need for funding and the need to please those troublesome people who have the money. Several good lessons are learned by all, with a (relatively) plausible HEA. Short & sweet; aptly illustrated. Recommended. show less