Lantana Publishing have really launched into the publishing world with some absolutely stunning, thoughtful picture books. It’s always a great post day when one of their publications arrives (You’re Snug With Me, Tomorrow, ). The latest arrival, Sing To The Moon from Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl & Sandra van Doorn, didn’t fail to disappoint.
Lantana Publishing have really launched into the publishing world with some absolutely stunning, thoughtful picture books. It’s always a great post day when one of their publications arrives (‘If I had one wish, I would reach
the stars, then ride a supernova
straight to Mars!’
Jjajja (the Luganda word for ‘grandfather’), tells our little narrator that he must wish, and oh boy he certainly does. We follow his wishes through the spice markets of Zanzibar and flying on the back of the mythical forest beast, the crested crane. It’s gloriously colourful and magical, and then the page turns. The colours fade to grey, and the reader is immersed in the narrator’s reality. Far different from the magical dreams, it’s grey and raining and… oh so boring for a boy with a fabulous imagination.
Uganda has a lot of rain, the wet season comes twice a year. Luckily Jjajja has a way of solving this with a masterclass on how to turn a boring, rainy day into an super exciting one.
As they clear the bamboo leaves from the porch, Jjajja tells stories of climbing guava trees. As their prepare the fish stew, he recalls the fishing his own father would do in the wild! Then, as nighttime falls… my favourite part… the towering books reveal their stories. Jjajja retells fables from years ago, as the candle flickers. The poetic nature of Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl’s narrative is so magical as Jjajja livens up our little narrator’s day – and rainy days become the BEST type of day.
Sandra van Doorn’s illustrations adorn the glossy pages, immersing us in Uganda and in particular into Jjajja’s day that he shares with his grandson. Magical moments for sure.
Sing To The Moon shows just how much fun you really can have, with a sprinkling of imagination… and a lovely Jjajja!
[Book supplied by the publisher for possible review on MyBookCorner, according to our policy. We review the books we love.]
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