This book we started as an addition to the Akebu to Zapotec books, for more information on Vietnam. It is a wonderful cultural addition to the core. It actually would receive a 10/10, except I felt that it would not be appropriate for families with more sensitive children.
This book shows us a glimpse into the life of a young boy in Vietnam and his pet water buffalo. It is a wonderful recounting of a life where falling asleep on a water buffalo is regular occurrence for a 6 year old child, and going to collect mangoes includes having to have a group of boys with spears watching out for crocodiles.
There is a significant amount of death/violence in this book, but not angry violence or vengeful death. Death is shown as more of a natural part of growing up. However, the child's pet water buffalo dies of old age, and the father goes out to buy a new one. Life includes watching crickets fight, and a recounting of the one and only time the boy witnessed two crickets fight to the death, but also mentions the three songs of the crickets and the beauty of life around them. There is also the part above about the crocodiles, and how one lay in wait, and the water buffalo warned them, and they were able to throw spears and kill the crocodile. There is an earthquake which destroys the boy's house, and they have to sleep outside. The boy's pet water buffalo fights for rank among the herd, and the buffalo he is fighting gets his horn stuck and ripped off, and bleeds to death, the the family who owned the other water buffalo is able to forgive the other family for this loss, despite the fact they feel bad about it . The boy describes hunting and different ways he catches animals, such as lobsters. The ending is also very sad.
Despite all that the book is beautifully written, exploring a culture that is dependant upon the water buffalo to help maintain their way of life. It balances the sad parts with a beauty and appreciation of nature and the things around, and the perspective of a child.
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