My Best Buddy

K-Gr 2—Kamau, a boy who lives in Kenya, walks to school slower than the other children because of a limp. He doesn't mind going at his own pace because his friend Mamello, an 85-year-old who is in his second grade class, joins him on his journey. As their friendship blooms, Mamello shares stories about his life as a child and why he couldn't go to school. He also talks about his dream of someday becoming a veterinarian to help animals. The story is sprinkled with hints of Kenyan language and culture. Readers learn that jambo means hello in Swahili and baobab trees store water when it rains. The overarching message is concise, but clear: "It is never too late to make your dreams come true." The layout of the book provides ample white space and the text is a good length for emerging readers. The illustrations are unique, but stylized and the characters' exaggerated features make them look ghoulish and can distract from the story line. Endnotes include a letter, an activity, and a link to a script for reader's theater.