In Kenya's grasslands, we are told, zebras eat the tops of the plants, wildebeests eat the middle sections, and gazelles eat the remaining stalks. A Maasai boy leads the family's cattle to graze. Spotting a Kikuyu boy setting up a new vegetable stall, he taunts him with accusations he's heard from his elders, and the boys quarrel. When warthogs threaten a wandering toddler, though, both boys spring into action to save him. In the end, they become friends, learning to share their land as the animals do. An author's note offers background information about the peoples of Kenya and how their old, hostile attitudes toward one another are beginning to change. A punctuation guide and glossary are appended. While the story may sound a bit purposeful, it is not lacking in drama or human interest. The writing is straightforward, the parallel with the animals is effective, and the ink-and-watercolor illustrations portray the Kenyan countryside with grace and the characters with empathy.

Kenyan children Abaani and Haki are from different tribes, but they become friends after working together to rescue a baby from a pack of warthogs. The boys hope the adult Maasai and Kikuyu "will find their own peaceful way to share the land." The purposeful text is told in present tense. Watercolor and ink illustrations focus on the expansive African grassland setting. Bib., glos.

After the rainy season, Kenya's animals work in concert, each type eating from a specific niche of the lush grasslands, shown here in appealing, expansive ink-and-watercolor illustrations. This sets the stage for the story of Abaani, a young Maasai herder, and Haki, a Kikuyu farm boy who works in a market stall, in a picture book with nonfiction flavor. The two groups are at odds over land use, so the boys initially exchange angry insults. Thrown together in a moment of danger, the two work together to save a toddler caught in the path of warthogs, which makes both reconsider the aforementioned hatred. Gradually, a friendship and a partnership form, inspiring the boys to hope that their families and people will find a similar way to appreciate one another and share Kenya's resources. Thought-provoking if a little blue-sky optimistic, this tale of Kenya serves as an accessible exploration of the concept of tribal disputes and more general themes of friendship and conflict resolution. A nice choice for classroom use and home reading. (map, author's note, glossary, source notes) (Picture book. 5-9)

Gr 2-5 In Kenya, the Maasai are cattle herders and the more numerous Kikuyu are farmers. The two groups often fight about land use. This story uses that age-old conflict as a vehicle for contemplating enmity and friendship. When Abaani, a Maasai boy, sees young Haki's Kikuyu vegetable stall near his family's grazing land, he repeats what he's heard from his elders: "You destroy our land!" Haki, of course, takes offense, and the boys are ready to become enemies. However, they see one another's good qualities when circumstances force them together to rescue a straying toddler. Repeated exposure and a few good games of mancala finally bring about a mutual trust, and they take a real step toward peace when they decide to trade veggies for milk, and to introduce their families. A framing metaphor about the harmony between zebra, wildebeests, and the Thomson's gazelle gently reinforces the lesson. Heartfelt storytelling and strong research combine to offer a universal message with a unique setting. The clear, light-filled illustrations are expressive and create a sense of place. A lovely, hopeful story that manages to convey its message with minimal didacticism. Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL