Product Description

For the first time in picture book form, children can experience the story of Nelson Mandela, from son of a tribal chief, to teenage ""troublemaker,"" to his inauguration as the first black president of South Africa, to the revered political leader he is today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #529573 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Amazon.com Review
A storybook biography of Nelson Mandela, written and illustrated by Cooper. The pictures convey Mandela's character as he progresses from childhood--he is the son of an African chief--through the struggle to get a good education in apartheid-ridden South Africa, to his days as an activist for the African National Congress, and then as the most famous prisoner in the world, ending with his election as the first president of the new South Africa. Small children will not understand some of the historical references in the text, so help from teacher or parent will be required to add context for the child. The book offers an ideal story for such interaction.

From Publishers Weekly
The African leader's boyhood and education are the focus of this "forceful, credible picture of a strong and deeply devoted statesman," said PW in a starred review. Ages 5-up. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-Readers are introduced to the formation and growth of the young Nelson Mandela. Rolihlahla, known to his family as Buti, came from a royal Thembu family and was taught the ways of leadership early in his life. This brief account traces his days as a school boy, where he is assigned the name Nelson; as a college man; and as the first black to open (with his partner) a Johannesburg law office. It touches even more briefly on his work with the ANC, his two marriages and families, and his prison years. The text conveys the timelessness of the African traditions and landscape: "Always, the wind had blown mightily through the valley that cradled his village. Sunsets had forever before kissed the hills..." Most importantly, it sketches the lessons through which Mandela learned to hold fast to his beliefs. Wind is an important image in the narrative, often as a reminder of strength. Cooper's oil paintings are infused with golden light. Elegant composition and subtle shifts in perspective add emotional value to the carefully focused account. The author's obvious reverence for his subject shines through in this thoughtfully crafted, beautiful book.
Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.