A review by lattelibrarian
Along the Tapajós by Fernando Vilela

4.0

This was a fun, colorful book with distinctive illustrations and a more distinctive narrative.  Many picture books offer a symmetric narrative--children leave home, they return.  They go on an adventure, they return.  Yet here, the brother and sister are forced to evacuate their home until flooding season is over.  When they realize that they've forgotten their beloved pet tortoise back at their old house, they go on an adventure to rescue him.  After their mission is complete, they're on their way home, they realize their parents will likely be upset with them, and the story ends!  It's unlike any other picturebook from the United States, and with good cause, considering it's Brazilian!  

It's a great look at another culture and their storytelling preferences and narrative, and a fantastic look at a different way of life and the struggles in front of them.  Great for grades 1-3!

Review cross-listed here!