Anna Hibiscus

Product Information

This story of Anna Hibiscus, a little girl growing up in Africa, "amazing Africa," is delightful and provides a glimpse into a life many US children are unfamiliar with. Admittedly, I would have liked Atinuke to give her books a country and not just a vague “Africa” for where they take place.

The story about selling oranges is particularly sweet as Anna comes to realize that her actions have very real consequences for people and also shows her how fortunate she is. Particularly since it contains yet another story that really highlights the gap between rich and poor, but in a way a young child can understand. I especially liked the third story, Anna Hibiscus Sells Oranges, as it highlights the vast disparities in wealth to be found in Africa (and elsewhere, of course), and the importance of thinking of the impact of our decisions upon others. And Anna's mother, an import from Canada, learns the 'Village to raise a child" importance of family. By submitting a review you grant us the right to display and use it in any way; please read our General Legal Notices for full details.

It is hard to find books for third world kids and its especially hard to find excellent transitional readers. Then I realized that Atinuke uses this story to introduce to kids the notion of having lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents around at all times. I have to say my favorite part were the beautiful, light-hearted, and well-laced-through-the-text illustrations of big happy family time and silly little Anna. And though she misses her brothers and cousins, Anna soon makes lots of friends and has a wonderful time playing with them in the snow and celebrating Christmas with Granny Canada. The four stories contained in the book each share a truth that is communicated through the story and pictures without being preachy.

Here marks a new phase in my life -- Working in the Children's Department, reading kids books for fun and work. Atinuke spends most of her time at home quietly dreaming up stories, but she sometimes visits schools and book festivals — she loves to meet her readers!learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. The stories are simple, funny, vivid and fun, perfect for young kids (my son ADORED them), but also laced with strands of wicked humor aimed directly at any adults reading the stories out loud. In terms of length of chapters and the book as a whole I would say this is an older chapter book suited for second graders (8 year olds).