Young Nassali longs to read and write like her brother, but since her mother's death, Nassali is responsible for looking after her younger siblings and running the household. There is no time for books and learning. Then one day, she wakes up to discover that her chores have been taken care of. It is her first gift day. From that day on, once a week, her brother gives Nassali the gift of time so that she can pursue her dream of an education, just as her mother would have wanted.
"The straightforward narrative, using a select number of Lugandan words, offers a window into the contemporary rural culture of Uganda (including the Nassali's child-like reference to "the [clearly fair-skinned researchers who came from far away and always wrote on the whitest paper"). . . Stephen Taylor, a seasoned book illustrator, places solid human figures in colourful modern dress against a sepia background. . . For the subject matter alone, this book belongs in all primary school and public library collections."
Recommended.
— CM Magazine
Stephen Taylor
has illustrated numerous children's books, including educational publishings over a span of 20 years. He studied at the Ontario College of Art. He is also a fine artist who has showcased his art at Toronto arts festivals, including the Caribana art exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum. Mr. Taylor was born in Dulwich, England and currently resides in Toronto, Canada with his wife and son.
Rainforest of Reading Award nominee, 2013
Shortlisted for the 2013 Chocolate Lily BC Young Reader's Choice Award
Shortlisted for the 2012 Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize
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