The Matatu

by Eric Walters (Author)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Do you know why dogs always chase after the matatus?

Kioko had been watching the matatus come and go for as long as he could remember. But today, for his fifth birthday, he climbs aboard one with his grandfather. As the matatu pulls away from the market, the village dogs chase after them. When Kioko asks his grandfather why the dogs always bark and chase after matatus, his grandfather tells him an entertaining tale about a dog, a goat and a sheep.

Set in East Africa, The Matatu is a colorful story filled with many unexpected turns and twists along the way.

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Kirkus

The author’s note, drawing upon his Kenyan experiences, will amuse adults, but the full point of the story may elude youngsters, who are likely to be just as literal-minded as Kioko. Nevertheless, the love and respect shown between Kioko and his grandfather is both universal and sweetly evident.

Review quotes

Campbell's illustrations effortlessly transport the reader to Kikima, Kenya. She evokes the richness of the Kenyan people and their culture by employing vivid colours and distinctive dress...The Matatu is both a beautiful and a light-hearted glimpse into the lives and stories of the Kenyan people. Walters expertly switches gears on the reader by turning a story of adventure into one of hilarity. However, The Matatu is not merely a folktale. Walters has also crafted a story that exemplifies the grandparent-grandchild relationship.— "CM Magazine"
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781459812963
Lexile Measure
510
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Publication date
August 20, 2016
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV012020 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | Country & Ethnic - General
JUV024000 - Juvenile Fiction | Lifestyles | Country Life
JUV030010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Africa
JUV012050 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | African
Library of Congress categories
-

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