When My Dad Went to the Jungle

Theo has listened to many tales of his father's trip to "the mother of all jungles", stories such as a spider jumping out of his pants, his eating smoked fish, obtaining water from a branch, hunting with a blowgun, getting worms from a palm tree and then eating them or making oil, cutting hair with a piranha fish jaw, plus eagles tempting monkeys and then eating them.

Even though Theo feels his father is always exaggerating, he tries to emulate some of his father's experiences in the jungle. These activities include going into the garden and digging up earthworms called tucus to make oil and then frying some potatoes, leaving a kingfish in the window so the exhaust from cars and buses would smoke it, and taking steak to Eduardo's house to feed his parrot.

While it is apparent that Theo, through imitation, holds his father in high regard, he also takes into consideration his father's belief system. Hence, when it is suggested that spirits may live in the jungle, Theo comments: “If I go to the jungle one day, I'll tell the spirits that I love them, and ask them to come over one day and eat churros and hot chocolate.”

The page backgrounds are solid soft colors, primarily yellow, green, and stone. Considerable space is visible on each page, and the illustrations are quite small but detailed, with character actions being easily discernable against the appropriately muted backgrounds.

The text is clear but minimal, with certain words underlined for effect and significance. It must be noted there are also lines on the page, giving the feel as though the story was written as a journal.

At the end of the book, Gusti provides a brief explanation of the Harpy eagles found in a region of Peru called Conambo where the Sapara people live - a valuable explanatory addition. There is also a publisher's note offering some background about the Amazon, stressing the importance of the Amazon to the earth's survival.

When My Dad Went to the Jungle makes a very serious issue easier to understand for young people. It also highlights the importance of respect and understanding for other cultures - a good lesson for any age!