Don’t Spill the Milk

Illustrated by Christopher Corr

Age Range: Baby to 5 years
Publisher: Andersen Press
Format: Paperback
Genre: Picture book
ISBN: 978-1849395311
Publication date: 1 May 2014
Print length: 32 pages
Dimensions: 24 x 0.4 x 28 cm
Curriculum Links: Africa, animals, deserts, family bonds, perseverance

Synopsis

Up the downy dunes, across the dark, wide river and up and down the steep, steep mountain, Penda lovingly carries a bowl of milk to her father in the grasslands.

But will she manage to get it there without spilling a single drop?

This is a wonderfully fun introduction for small children to a completely different culture.

Author’s note

“When I lived in West Africa on the edge of the Sahara Desert, my neighbour Penda used to go round the neighbourhood with a bowl of milk on her head, selling it by the ladle. Seeing her out and about every day gave me the idea for this story.“

Reviews

A riot of colour and simple emotion
The Sunday Telegraph
A satisfying story, perfect for reading aloud, set in a part of Africa that is rarely shown in children’s books
Kirkus review
A captivating book
Books for Keeps
The rhythmic text and gouache folk art capture the vibrancy of life on the banks of the Niger river
Publishers Weekly
Penda’s journey winds its way across the generous double-page spreads of this beautifully detailed, vibrantly colourful story which brings the African setting vividly to life. A picture book story about persistence, family and love
Booktrust review
A riot of colour and pattern abound in this heartwarming story of determination and family love: a splendid follow-up to The Goggle-Eyed Goats
Jill Bennet review
Red Reading Hub