Not So Fast, Songololo

This is a very tender story about a little boy and the relationship he has with his grandmother. Malusi is, judging from the first spread of the story, the middle child in his family. The quiet, discreet, non assertive, shy child. He gets to spend the day with grandma Gogo. Malusi is not a man-of-many-words, and although it's not quite clear at first how he feels towards Gogo, in fact he might seem a little in awe of her or awkward around her (there's the scene of him staring into the pattern of her dress in the bus, and his first thought arriving in the city is that "she looked older"), and her figure is indeed a little imposing, the illustrations convey a very tender bond between them.
We were halfway into the book when I realized show more that the story had to be set in South Africa. The contrast between the passengers on the bus and the people riding in the cars down below gave it away, but also the car models, the ad for Smarties and the OK Bazaars signs. Then I started paying more attentions to the details to be found in the water color illustrations, and the cultural references. "What does 'tackies' mean?" asked my son. Before I could come up with an answer, he'd figured it out himself: "Tackies means sneakers!"
We were very happy for Songololo in his new tackies ... !

We've just read another story by [a:Niki Daly|123899|Niki Daly|/assets/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66-e07624dc012f2cce49c7d9aa6500c6c0.jpg], [b:Jamela's Dress|211600|Jamela's Dress|Niki Daly|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312056503s/211600.jpg|565249] and there is actually a series of books centered around Jamela. Now I wish there were more books on Songololo. show less

This is a story about a poor boy in South Africa (so be mindful of South African terms such as "zebra crossing" where Americans would say "crosswalk") who helps out his grandmother and as a special treat gets a new pair of sneakers. His FIRST new pair of sneakers, as he usually wears his older sibling's falling-apart handmedowns.

The family relationships are sweet and clear, the story is vividly told, the resolution is simple... and yet, I just can't get into this book when I read it to my nieces. This, in turn, affects their appreciation of it as they can see that I'm just going through the motions instead of enjoying it. Try Jamela's Birthday or Those Shoes instead.

This book is about a young boy named Malusi who likes to do things slowly. He is a part of a large family, and often gets hand-me-downs from his others who are older than him. For example, his shoes previously belonged to Mongi. One day Malusi goes to the city with his grandma, who he refers to as Gogo, to assist her with some errands. As they walk through the city, Malusi window-shops and notices a pair of bright red tackies, which are shoes. Malusi and Gogo continue to complete the errands, and once they are done, Gogo decides to get Malusi the pair of tackies he admired. From then on, Malusi had a lot more pep in his step! This sweet story is one that I think children would enjoy. Niki Daly did a great job with the writing, as well show more as the illustrations. I love the details and how certain illustrations give away the setting so well. show less

A story of a little boy who goes to the store and gets a new pair of shoes with his grandmother. A story that is down to earth and well illustrated.

Malusi takes his Gogo into the city. He eventually gets new shoes. I did not care too much for this book because it was not interesting.

"Dear Dionisia,

Always remember your family, past and present. Think of them, each one when your feeling down or in trouble. They watch over you and will touch your head in a time of need. And you will see the way to an answer.

Love, Papa"