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CM . . .
. Volume XXIII Number 31. . . April 21, 2017
excerpt:
Roy, new to Canada, is homesick for Jamaica and his old friends. But after his first day at his new school, he eagerly emails his best friend back home, telling of his initial apprehension and how the day turned out better than expected. His father is a passionate Bob Marley fan, and so Roy is delighted to receive a button from a neighbour, one carrying the Jamaican hero’s picture. When his new classmates welcome him with a quote from a Marley song, Roy, eager to show the button, realises it is missing. After Roy retraces his steps and locates the button in a very unexpected place, the class enthusiastically gathers round Roy and his button. “It felt like I was with you and all my friends in Jamaica.” Anyone who has been a stranger in a new place will identify with the sentiment of this book, although not all will have such a powerful connection as Bob Marley to link their past and present! Apart from being a touching story about new immigrants, Greetings, Leroy also acts as an introduction to a cultural icon for young children. This aspect could have been enriched with an additional summary outlining more about Marley’s life and influence. Sadu’s using the email as a storytelling device is effective and a positive enforcement of creative writing skills. Roy is a well-portrayed character, loveable, eager and loyal. He is emotionally open, and his eagerness to reach out to others is evident throughout the story. His dialogue is age appropriate with just an occasional use of Jamaican colloquialisms which is realistic and effective. Striking illustrations in acrylic and mixed media reinforce the vibrancy of the story and effectively capture the highs and lows of Roy’s emotions and his eager nature. Each energetic, vigorous picture is full of rich detail that keeps the reader thoroughly absorbed. The publisher indicates the book is aimed at children aged 4-7, but the abilities and awareness of Roy suggests that it would also appeal to children up to age 10. Greetings, Leroy is a welcoming and encouraging story for children in a new country. Recommended. Aileen Wortley is a retired librarian from Toronto, ON.
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