Precious Ramotswe's Very First Case (Precious Ramotswe Mysteries for Young Readers)

This is a good book for young readers. A delightful introduction to how life in an African society is not unlike our own human experience. The same schoolroom jeolosies and battles that children everywhere must survive are shown in a different geographic setting.

I love all of the books about Precious Ramotswe written by this author. This is no exception. This character whether young or all grown up is someone that you would want to go to Africa and meet and become friends with. There is a lot of good moral examples in all his books. Botswana must be quite a place if Alexander McCall Smith's writings are true.

The Great Cake Mystery is much better in book form than it is in the CD currently available. The author is writing down to children in this one, and Adjoa Andoh's reading brings it to a level where he is talking down to 3-year-olds. The basic story line is excellent, but the author should write in less of a "precious" style - children do not need to be "talked down to," and he is certainly capable of reaching them without the slightly condescending and preachy tone. The reading on the CD was a total disappointment to me - I've been spoiled by the beautiful readings by Lisette Lecat for this series. She does accents easily, handles multiple accents beautifully, and is a delight to listen to. Adjoa Andoh may be the reader of choice for the United Kingdom, but it seemed to me the accents were forced, and were a challenge for her to do. She seemed very conscious that this was a book for children, and she does not appear to be comfortable talking to children. I won't buy anything again where she is the reader.

Stay with the printed version of this one - unless they get Lisette Lecat to record it. I'll buy anything with Lisette as the reader.

This book is perfect for a first or second grader who reads above grade level. 75 pages, pronunciation guide at the back. Really entertaining book, perfect to share with family members or for a gramma to read to her little ones.

Great lessons:
Smile
Be nice and friendly
Don't jump to conclusions
Don't accuse people without proof
Dont help yourself to other people's things