Learning to Swim in Swaziland: A Child's Eye-View of a Southern African Country

Now 11 years old, Nila went with her parents to live in Swaziland when she was eight. Here, using her own words and drawings as well as photos, the appealingly precocious girl offers a personalized depiction of life in that small country. Sensing--correctly, it would seem--which information will be of interest to her peers, the author focuses on ways in which the lifestyle of children in Swaziland differs from that of American kids. She describes the schools attended by Swazi youngsters, the many chores they perform at home, the food they eat and their toys and clothing. She also retells a pleasant Swazi folktale, and ends on an inspirational note: ``You can do all kinds of things you never dreamed you could do. . . . Just like writing a book. Just like living in Africa.'' While this project could easily have become cute and cloying, Nila pulls it off neatly--written in her own hand, both the girl's text and sketches are refreshing, upbeat and ingenuous. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)