Product Description

The children in Madagascar rejoice in life's natural gifts--singing, working in the fields, helping their parents, and playing with lizards. Divided into three sections: "We Live!", "We Grow!" and "We Feel!", Torina's World:A Child's Life in Madagascar offers a glimpse into daily life in a Malagasy village, and encourages children in Western cultures to examine and reflect on life in a developing country. Ten years ago, author and photographer Joni Kabana spent a month in Madagascar. Her intention was to bring back images for her children showing how other children live. Torina, an eight-year-old Malagasy girl, acted as Joni's guide into this world. Back home, Joni's nine-year-old son, Benjamin Opsahl, helped edit the images and added simple, yet profound text that will engage readers across the world. Torina is now eighteen, still living with her parents and six brothers. She would like to further her education, but is hindered by a lack of resources, thus a portion of the proceeds from book sales will provide funding for her education as well other educational activities in Madagascar. To learn more about her life in Madagascar and fundraising efforts visit www.torinasworld.com

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #817995 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 52 pages

Review
"The exquisite photographs and non-judemental text act as a window to another, very different culture. Learning about diversity at a young age is vital to children so that the rest of the world doesn't seem strange to them as they grow up." --Ben Cohen, cofounder, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

"Torina's World is a magical book that helps readers, young and old, visualize what it would be like to live in a developing country where securing each day's meal takes extraordinary energy and community participation. It is remarkable to see such an important message of appreciation and concern for others elicited in such a simple, yet effective manner." --Thomas Bruner, CEO, American Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter

"Torina's World: A Child's Life in Madagascar is what every photographer strives for--creating a book filled with images that offer much more than can be said with a thousand words. Joni's abilities to capture the essence of this village's hunanity and to communicate young Torina's story reflect her unbridled passion for sharing her subjects' lives through photography." --Larry Padgett, executive director, The Center for Fine Art Photgraphy

Review

About the Author
After years as a technology executive, Joni Kanbana returned to her childhood passion of photography. She is now a highly respected and award winning Pacific Northwest commercial and portrait photographer. Her images of street children, cancer patients, and the "misunderstood," are hauntingly provocative.

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous book!
Having lived in Madagascar, I find these thought-provoking photos a beautiful reflection of the country. The natural questions that arise when viewing them are an ideal first-step for children to begin discovering the vast differences and common values among peoples around the globe. Although rhythms and traditions may vary, children looking at these photos will see that all children dream, learn, play, and help their families.

As Joseph Wresinski once said, The world will change one day because we will have listened to children. The conversations this book will start are sure to sow seeds of peace and respect among cultures.

A Book For All Ages
This is an excellent book for kids to adults showing the real true emotion of the people and culture of Madacasgar. What I like best about the book is that many images show how happy these kids are with so little. It is a reminder for us all that it does not take all the material items of today to have a smile on our face. Joni's photos are amazing and really help to pull the viewer into the whole experience!

Beautiful Touching Perspective
This book is very touching... it captures simplicity and all that is offers... I was touched by the message of joy, being human, and getting back to what matters in life.

What a great book to give to anyone.