readingsofaslinky's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
theybedax's review
2.0
This lack magic and cohesion (something Okorafor is usually phenomenal with). While it was cute it lacked intelligence or purpose.
agudenburr's review
3.0
A beautifully illustrated picture book that tells a story during the New Yam Festival in Nigeria. Has a lot of text so it would make a great read aloud for older elementary children.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
2.0
Ok, usually I really enjoy Okorafor's work, but I'm just not sure who this book is for -- is it meant to be an introduction to the idea of what a masquerade is for younger children? If so, I think it's somewhat successful on that level, but it's also very confusing, -- it's like it skips a page -- there's this mysterious giant chicken causing havoc and then suddenly the increasingly worried girl in the story realizes that it's a masquerade and the end. Weird. Yay for multicultural storytelling, and I liked the bright images, but this is an odd book.
I reread it, and it was less confusing this time around, but I'm still not sold on the storytelling. I'm glad other people like it, but it doesn't work for me.
I reread it, and it was less confusing this time around, but I'm still not sold on the storytelling. I'm glad other people like it, but it doesn't work for me.
ellalouise99's review
3.0
This is a good book with vibrant pages which draw your attention to the chicken. Anyaugo hears noises coming from her kitchen one night and goes down to see what is happening, she finds a chicken which is trying to eat the food ready for the New Yam festival. Anyaugo goes to find the Wood Wit to help her with the chicken, however the reader could infer that it is the Wood Wit causing the trouble in the first place. The story relates to the New Yam festival giving children information in a subtle and easily understanding way.
mandarchy's review
3.0
I want to learn more about where this story is from (Nigeria?), And about the yam festival with it's traditions.
chachacenteno's review
4.0
I've been reading through picture books with ancestral themes. I love adore this story and its illustrations, humor and love.
lmurray74's review
5.0
Nnedi Okorafor is one of my all time favorite authors and I eat up every work she writes. This is no different. On a first read I wasn't sure, but a second read had me hooked. I read it at the end of reviewing a big pile of picture books, and what gives this strength is that it is unlike most other picture books. The illustrations are so vivid in color and spirit. I hope to be able to share it with young kids soon.