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Jabulani
Come along with Jabulani, a boy in Southern Africa, as he lives with purpose and loves with purpose. Jabulani learns how the little ways that he helps his family and friends can add up to big rewards, and that no matter how small you are, you can accomplish big things. In doing so, Jabulani shares his story across diverse cultural lines and at the same time introduces his culture from the Ndebele tribe of the Republic of South Africa to other children through this story of a week in his life.
32 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2017
294 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan J. Stotler
1 bookJonathan J Stotler was born on the Highveld of The Republic of South Africa. The child of missionaries to South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, he grew up admiring, respecting, and loving the land and people of Africa, spending his formative years among several different people including the Venda, Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele. He currently lives in Boonton, New Jersey and works in the field of Medical Education, but his heart is never far from Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 12, 2018
This story gives a glance into the daily life of a boy growing up in the Ndebele tribe, and the people around him.
Jabulani is a boy in the Republic of South Africa and lives in the Ndebele tribe. He assists is various family members with their daily chores—making bricks and loading carts for the market. With his friends, Jabulani attends school and shows how all work together in almost every aspect of life, making a loving and warm community.
Young listeners/readers are invited to take a walk through the day (actually two days) of Jabulani's life. It begins with a basic description of the buildings and village before diving right into Jabulani's family. The focus lands on the various activities each person has and how they work together. Jabulani's readiness to help is not only natural, but expresses his satisfaction by joining in. It's a wholesome setting, which makes it clear how working together can bring happiness along with the work.
The illustrations have a very personal touch which fits wonderfully to the setting and story. Jabulani's world is introduced with bright colors and just enough details for young listeners/readers to see how the people in his culture live.
The text isn't for the youngest of readers, although the vocabulary is simple enough. The information is delivered clearly and in a way, listeners can relate to while learning about the differences Jabulani's life has when compared to their own. It's a little long for a 'night time read', but fits nicely to more educational settings or times when the adults' goal is to introduce this culture to listeners. Especially homeschoolers and teachers would find this book useful. There's a question section at the end to encourage discussion as well as a glossary for more difficult terms. Since this book also is designed for Christian settings, there are two Bible verses at the end which nicely accompany Jabulani's world.
I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers and found it interesting enough to leave my honest thoughts.
Jabulani is a boy in the Republic of South Africa and lives in the Ndebele tribe. He assists is various family members with their daily chores—making bricks and loading carts for the market. With his friends, Jabulani attends school and shows how all work together in almost every aspect of life, making a loving and warm community.
Young listeners/readers are invited to take a walk through the day (actually two days) of Jabulani's life. It begins with a basic description of the buildings and village before diving right into Jabulani's family. The focus lands on the various activities each person has and how they work together. Jabulani's readiness to help is not only natural, but expresses his satisfaction by joining in. It's a wholesome setting, which makes it clear how working together can bring happiness along with the work.
The illustrations have a very personal touch which fits wonderfully to the setting and story. Jabulani's world is introduced with bright colors and just enough details for young listeners/readers to see how the people in his culture live.
The text isn't for the youngest of readers, although the vocabulary is simple enough. The information is delivered clearly and in a way, listeners can relate to while learning about the differences Jabulani's life has when compared to their own. It's a little long for a 'night time read', but fits nicely to more educational settings or times when the adults' goal is to introduce this culture to listeners. Especially homeschoolers and teachers would find this book useful. There's a question section at the end to encourage discussion as well as a glossary for more difficult terms. Since this book also is designed for Christian settings, there are two Bible verses at the end which nicely accompany Jabulani's world.
I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers and found it interesting enough to leave my honest thoughts.
June 20, 2018
Jabulani by Jonathan Stotler, illustrated by Beth Restrick. PICTURE BOOK. WestBow Press, 2017. $14. 9781512776386
BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE
KID APPEAL: MEDIUM
Jabulani lives with his aunt and uncle in a small South African village. While he goes to school each day, he also works hard at home, helping both and aunt and uncle to produce the things they need to sell to keep their home running and the family fed. While everyone works hard, there is also friendship and joy to be found.
Stotler’s book simple – telling Jabulani’s life story without added drama, but in a way that gives a satisfying look at typical village life. I felt like I really got to know Jabulani’s way of life. Stotler also integrates Jabulani’s language into the narrative, including definitions when needed, although there is also a glossary included in the back. I would want to share this with a wide variety of students to help them peek into another life. It would easily lead into discussions about how Jabulani’s life differs from my students’ lives.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE
KID APPEAL: MEDIUM
Jabulani lives with his aunt and uncle in a small South African village. While he goes to school each day, he also works hard at home, helping both and aunt and uncle to produce the things they need to sell to keep their home running and the family fed. While everyone works hard, there is also friendship and joy to be found.
Stotler’s book simple – telling Jabulani’s life story without added drama, but in a way that gives a satisfying look at typical village life. I felt like I really got to know Jabulani’s way of life. Stotler also integrates Jabulani’s language into the narrative, including definitions when needed, although there is also a glossary included in the back. I would want to share this with a wide variety of students to help them peek into another life. It would easily lead into discussions about how Jabulani’s life differs from my students’ lives.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
June 19, 2017
I liked the day in the life of Jabulani. It was easily read. I like the pronunciation guide in the back of the book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews