Millard, Mary Weeks. Safari Tales. Illustrated by Catherine L. Owen. Kilmarnok, Scotland: John Ritchie Ltd., 2021.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

Inspired by a real-life toy monkey, this book of short stories takes you on wild adventures where you will meet hungry crocodiles, grumpy cows, and lots and lots of monkeys! With a short reflection at the end of each chapter, this is perfect for getting to children to reflect on issues that they will have to face as they grow up. A long time ago Mary Weeks Millard adopted an abandoned monkey puppet from a box of odds and ends that had been put up for sale in the hospital where she worked. She named it Safari and took it with her when she travelled as a missionary to Africa, using the puppet as a way of teaching the children there about Jesus and how much He loves them. This is what inspired this book of heart-warming, and edifying, tales following Safari around the forest he calls home. Excellent writing paints a vivid picture of so many interesting characters, each with their own story to tell, and lessons to teach.

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My Kid Review

Safari Tales is a collection of short stories or devotionals written for young children by Mary Weeks Millard. Safari is a little monkey who has many adventures and learns many lessons.  Each story ends with a short lesson that ties the story to the Christian life. Black and white illustrations accompany each of the stories. 

Since the book is written by an author from Scotland, there is language/terminology that American children may not understand. The author also uses UK English spelling, which for some words is different from American English spelling. Neither of these detract from the story but adults need to be aware of these differences. 

Safari Tales would be appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library, as long you are aware of word/spelling differences. It would be a great read aloud for a class devotional time.

I received a complimentary copy of Safari Tales. This is my honest review. 

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