Zanzibar

July 1, 2019
Animals explore what it means to be remarkable in this earnest, mellow story. Zanzibar the crow enjoys mushroom omelets, singing (poorly), and spending time with friends. An unexpected knock on the door from a reporter, lizard Achille LeBlab, changes Zanzibar's course of action when he is forced to confront his humdrum life. After comparing himself to other creatures who can sing, play chess, and dive from great heights, Zanzibar vows to take action and complete a venture worth a write-up in the local newspaper, The Voice of the Forest. To impress LeBlab, Zanzibar sets out on an exceptional journey, heading south on the advice of a sea gull. He meets a fennec fox and a dromedary who coach him through temporary discouragement and celebrate with him when he reaches his goal (to lift the dromedary "with a single wing"). Supportive and thoughtful models of friendship shine in this story, and unexpected vocabulary choices will engage readers. Valckx's tricolor sketches have a charming vintage feel. However, many adult readers won't be able to ignore the imagery of a black crow paired inexplicably with an African name, which has problematic historical connotations in the United States if not in France, where this book was first published. This story about finding the extraordinary in everyone gives readers something to crow about. (Animal fantasy. 5-8)

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August 1, 2019

Gr 1-3-When Achille LeBlab, a reporter/lizard who works at the local newspaper, stops by Zanzibar's house looking for an incredible story, the crow questions if there is anything that makes him truly special. He makes fantastic omelets, but that just isn't incredible enough for Achille. Then Zanzibar has an idea: he will go to the desert and lift a camel with just a single wing. Along the way, Zanzibar makes some new friends and realizes that the fame of being in the newspaper may not be as important as he once thought. Valckx's story, which is translated from French, is a tale about finding oneself while trying to achieve goals. Two-tone orange and black illustrations throughout are reminiscent of those found in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows or Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" books. While the book is short and at a general level that is perfect for young readers, some of the vocabulary is complex and may need to be read with adult assistance. VERDICT A sweet and quick read. Purchase to enhance most collections.-Erica Deb, Matawan Aberdeen Public Library, NJ

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