| Booktalk
#1
Bernardi has two things that
he wishes for. One is to go to school like the other boys in his
village. The other is to own a soccer ball. But there is not
enough money for either wish. Bernardi lives with his grandfather
Babu. Babu can no longer speak and he makes his meager living making
small toys that Bernardi sells to tourists. Will Bernardi's wishes
ever come true?
Booktalk #2
Bernardi is a young boy who
lives in Tanzania. Like many of you, he loves to play soccer. Bernardi
also loves his grandfather, Babu. Although Babu has lost his ability to
speak, he is still able to make extraordinary toys out of scraps of wood
which he sells for a living. The two have just enough to live on, but not
enough for extras like school tuition or soccer balls. One night Babu surprises
Bernardi with a special gift, a music box. When a tourist offers to buy
the music box, Bernardi has mixed feelings about giving it up. What should
Bernardi do? Read Babu’s Song to discover how Bernardi solves this dilemma.
(Jean B. Bellavance for Pennsylvania
Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2004-2005)
Booktalk #3
Bernardi and his grandfather,
Babu, are poor inhabitants of Tanzania . Bernadi wants to play soccer
and go to school, but because Babu can’t afford a soccer ball or school
tuition, Bernadi contents himself with playing soccer with the children
in the school yard and selling in the market the wonderful toys his mute
grandfather makes. When Babu creates a special music box out of a lard
tin that tinkles out their favorite tune, Bernardi has no intention of
selling it. But a persistent tourist makes him an offer he literally cannot
refuse. Impatient to use some of the money to buy a soccer ball, Bernardi
finds that he can’t spend the money on himself since Babu’s talented toy-making
earned it. Sad and guilt-ridden, Bernardi returns home and confesses to
Babu what he has done. After considering Bernardi’s plight, Babu breaks
into a smile and signals Bernardi to wait in the house until he returns.
What Babu brings upon his return realizes Bernardi’s dreams and reveals
to readers the love and warmth that the members of this non-traditional
family share. (Prepared by: Michelle H. Martin,
SCASL
Picture Book Awards) |
