Zandi's Song by Zandile Ndhlovu , illustrations by Katlego Keokgale (PB Review)

Zandi's Song by Zandile Ndhlovu, illustrated by Katlego Keokgale
Publisher:  Amazon Crossing Kids
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   32 pages
Publishing:   March 26th, 2024
Source:  MB Communications

As readers of my blog probably already know, it is rare that I choose to highlight a picture book.  However, I do love to highlight stories that include diverse authors, that contain theme's that jump out at me, or books whose covers and illustrations are gorgeous, and their messaging needs sharing.  Zandi's Song is such a story.  

Opening Line:  "Zandi was always thinking about the ocean."

Zandi has always dreamed about the ocean, she can hear the waves calling to her and even draws pictures of the ocean she's never visited.  Then one day, she is called to the ocean and although she's frightened, Zandi dips her toes into the water. Zandi meets Maya, the spirit of the ocean represented as a blue translucent woman made of water, who takes Zandi on an adventure showing her the connections that she shares and the difference she can make to protect the ocean.

Zandi's Song is a beautiful children's book with illustrations that are bright, and colorful depicting images of sparkling water, vibrant fish, and swimming turtles that will entice and fascinate kids to explore the ocean.  Here's just a small sample:

               Text copyright © 2023 by Zandile Ndhlovu;

              Illustrations copyright © 2023 by Katlego Keokgale;

 Published by Amazon Crossing Kids

 

I especially loved the majestic full-page illustration of a whale and how the story shows the importance they have to the land and people.  It's messaging is powerful, illustrating the ways that the ocean water is currently being polluted by waste such as plastic bags, bottles or cans and how turtles are getting tangled in netting or injured by the debris.  While also being positive in encouraging Zandi to share everything she's seen and experienced in hopes that change will be made, and the past will not repeat itself.   I highly recommend this as a read aloud for Earth Day because of its wonderful messaging about conserving and protecting the ocean.  The authors note at the beginning of the book is very detailed and explains the inspiration for the story and provides many resources for ocean conservation.  

**A huge thank you to MB Communications for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**

     About the Author: 

Zandile Ndhlovu 

(pronounced Zan-DEE-lay And-LO-vu) was terrified of the ocean until her mid 20's when she discovered snorkeling.  Since then, she's been on a mission to connect children of color with the ocean, especially swimming in it.  She is South Africa's first Black free diving instructor and has championed many ocean conservation efforts to help preserve and protect the world's oceans.  She was just named one of the BBC's 100 Women 2023 and profiled by the BBC: Black Mermaid: ‘I was always the only black person on the boat’ (bbc.com).  She's also been featured on: 'The Black Mermaid' Zandile Ndhlovu helping save the oceans (pix11.com) and here: WNBC's Positively Black.   

 

She will also be featured in an upcoming documentary, Shaped by Water, that was produced by 11th Hour Racing and  executive produced by Wendy Schmidt (wife of Eric Schmidt of Google). It was shown at film festivals last fall and will likely be in wide release by Earth Day.  

Instagram: @zandithemermaid 

Linktree: @zandithemermaid  

The Black Mermaid Foundation