Mama Elizabeti - Hardcover

Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1584300027 ISBN 13: 9781584300021

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2000

Synopsis

When her mother becomes preoccupied with her new baby sister, Elizabeti offers to help by taking care of her younger brother, yet things don't go as easy as planned as young Elizabeti realizes that taking care of a person is a much greater challenge than taking care of her baby dolls.

About this title

About the Author:

CHRISTY HALE has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including two
that she also wrote. As an art educator, Hale has introduced young readers to the lives and
works of many artists through Instructor magazine's Masterpiece of the Month feature andaccompanying workshops. Hale lives with family in Palo Alto, California.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-Stuve-Bodeen builds on the poignant themes of Elizabeti's Doll (Lee & Low, 1998), while giving readers an expanded view of life in this African village. The child's day is filled with sweeping, washing, and picking rocks from the rice. She must also look after her young brother, as Mama has a new baby who needs care. Securing Obedi to her back with a kanga, Elizabeti confidently starts out on her way to the village well. However, Obedi is a squirmer, he's mischievous, plus he's heavy. Finally, Elizabeti drops her water jug and slumps in despair. She sets the boy down and quickly fetches the water. When she returns, he's gone, but her fears turn to joy as he takes his first toddling steps back to her and gives her a loud, wet kiss. Getting home is no longer a problem; Elizabeti simply ties the kanga from her waist to his and lets him walk. While the child's challenges as a caregiver are specific to her environment, the frustrations she feels are universal. Readers might see her life as a hardship, but no such emotion is expressed. The illustrations bring this world alive. Hale perfectly captures the spontaneity and totality of a toddler's love, and the intimacy among family members is heartwarming and palpable. This is a loving, sensitive book to be shared and cherished.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1584300027
• ISBN 13: 9781584300021
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Hale Christy