Anna Carries Water. Olive Senior. Illustrated by Laura James. Vancouver, BC: Tradewind Books, 2013. 40 pp., hardcover, $18.95. ISBN 978-1-896580-60-9. Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8. Review by Janice Foster. **** /4 Reviewed from f&g’s.

excerpt:

Anna wanted to carry water on her head. More than anything. Her family lived way out in the countryside Their water did not come from a tap. Every evening after school the children went to the spring for water.

Jamaican-Canadian author Olive Senior provides young readers with a delightful story set in Jamaica, the country of her birth. Unlike her older brothers and sisters, Anna cannot carry a container of water on her head when they fetch water from the spring after school each day. In spite of Anna’s determination, the small coffee can falls off each time she tries. Anna has another problem as well. As they walk to the spring, they must pass Mr. Johnson’s field where the cows graze, and Anna is afraid of the cows. Children will enjoy how an unexpected encounter with the cows helps Anna not only overcome her fear but also achieve her goal – carrying her container of water on her head.

     The illustrations by award-winning artist Laura James will immediately capture the reader’s attention with the vibrant colours and the textural collage elements. The full-page illustrations provide the backdrop for the simple text. The frequent inclusion of short sentences and the use of repetition enable the emerging reader to read Anna Carries Water independently or with a little assistance. The story is also an excellent read-aloud.

      Anna Carries Water uses the story’s setting to acquaint young readers with different daily activities found in a different country. At the same time, the story highlights the similarities that face people in all countries and how determination can help you reach your goal and overcome your fears. Readers of all ages will enjoy this attractive and entertaining book.

Highly Recommended.

Janice Foster, a former teacher and teacher-librarian, lives in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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