Babu’s Song
Babu's Song
Picture Book / Tanzania / Ages 5-8
2003
The story of a young Tanzanian boy who learns a lesson about family love after selling the special music box his grandfather made for him.
Babu’s Song by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen addresses a number of issues of contemporary life. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania, Stuve-Bodeen had time to observe interactions between generations and peers. Set in Tanzania, Babu’s Song deals with poverty, schooling, and living with a mute grandfather. Bernardi and his grandfather manage daily life. Although Bernardi is a good soccer player, he does not have money for the uniform or the ball. Moreover, his grandfather cannot pay the require school tuition. Their source of income derives from the creation of toys. While Babu creates cars, dolls, and boats from recycled materials, Bernardi sells them in the market to tourists. A music box which plays his grandfather’s favorite song is particularly precious to Bernardi. Nevertheless, he reluctantly sells it to pay for a soccer ball. Then he wonders if that choice is the best one. The work with his imaginative grandfather and sales in the market provides Bernardi a non-formal education in a country where school fees can be very expensive. Aaron Boyd’s illustration complements the text. Each illustrations provide a vision of small town life. Together, they document the interaction between elders and youth and tourists and locals. Finally, they show the resourcefulness of this family. This book is highly recommended. It provides readers theopportunity to see life through diverse eyes. In addition, it provides an example of a Tanzanian grandfather’sparenting skills. Babu’s Song by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen addresses a number of issues of contemporary life. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania, Stuve-Bodeen had time to observe interactions between generations and peers. Set in Tanzania, Babu’s Song deals with poverty, schooling, and living with a mute grandfather. Bernardi and his grandfather manage daily life. Although Bernardi is a good soccer player, he does not have money for the uniform or the ball. Moreover, his grandfather cannot pay the require school tuition. Their source of income derives from the creation of toys. While Babu creates cars, dolls, and boats from recycled materials, Bernardi sells them in the market to tourists. A music box which plays his grandfather’s favorite song is particularly precious to Bernardi. Nevertheless, he reluctantly sells it to pay for a soccer ball. Then he wonders if that choice is the best one. The work with his imaginative grandfather and sales in the market provides Bernardi a non-formal education in a country where school fees can be very expensive. Aaron Boyd’s illustration complements the text. Each illustrations provide a vision of small town life. Together, they document the interaction between elders and youth and tourists and locals. Finally, they show the resourcefulness of this family. This book is highly recommended. It provides readers the opportunity to see life through diverse eyes. In addition, it provides an example of a Tanzanian grandfather’s parenting skills. Copyright ♭2003 by Africa Access, all rights reserved. Africa Access permits the redistribution and reprinting of this work for nonprofit, educational purposes, with full and accurate attribution to the author, web location, date of publication, originating list, and Africa Access Review. For any other proposed use, contact AfricaAccess@aol.com – Patricia S. Kuntz <pskuntz@uwalumni.com>