The Herd Boy

Gr 1–3—Malusi looks after his grandfather's sheep and goats in rural South Africa. Every day, while it is still dark, he takes his herd to the grazing slopes. There, he must keep them safe from the ravine and snakes. "It's a big job for a small boy/…you have to be brave, to be a herd boy." His friend Lungisa, who dreams of playing soccer, and Malusi, who dreams of being president, play games and stick-fight while they watch over the animals. After Malusi bravely fends off a starving baboon, he gingerly cares for a wounded lamb and carries it back to his village. Then, in a highly believable moment, Nelson Mandela pulls up in his car and encourages Malusi by telling him, "a boy who looks after his herd will make a very fine leader." Daly does an extraordinary job of illustrating the story through detailed, gorgeously rendered images of the country. In addition, spot art illuminates textual references and unseen events. The glossary of Afrikaans and Xhosa words and an author's note clarify the text. This is a touching, eloquent story about a young boy who could be any child. Filled with hope and promise, it will inspire children to embrace their place in life and dream big.—Nancy Jo Lambert, Ruth Borchardt Elementary, Plano, TX