I loved this story because of its illustrations and that it pushes readers to think about tough issues, and it may broaden their perspectives. This story is based in the town of Guguletu, South Africa where many people are only able to live in shelters. These shelters are built out of iron sheets and a cement floor. As Charlie hears his mother complaining about the leaks in the ceiling (which create muddy floors) he begins to venture into his own world of imagination. Using the mud on the floor Charlie builds a town with homes and cars using metal scraps and cans that he is able to find. I think that this book can definitely broaden reader’s perspectives because the children in Guguletu have to make up their own games, rather than be able to play with electronics or other types of toys. The book talks about each step in building Charlie’s new village. For instance, the text reads, “Charlie also builds a kitchen and fills it with a milk-carton fridge. Then an indoor bathroom, where he places a plastic bottle split in half by the sun.” The illustrations play a big part in the story because they show each part of Charlie’s village and what exactly the items are made out of. For example, Charlie used a nail and wire to create a dog, a bottle of toothpaste to create a bed, and he even used a small light bulb for his grandmother’s nose. I find this story to be a bit sad, since items from the trash and mud are what Charlie is able to play with. Although, I do find it incredibly inspiring as to how Charlie uses these items to create a wonderful village filled with homes and people. This story can open the eyes of many privileged children, and remind them to be thankful for what they have.
I think that the overall idea of this story is to use your imagination. Charlie built a whole village using his mind and the materials that were available around him. It was clear that Charlie was having fun while building his village from his expression and the amount of detailed work he put into it. Before Charlie is called to dinner, he was picturing himself driving in a car that he made out of mud and bottle caps. At the dinner table Charlie is pictured using a piece of bread as his sunglasses and holding his plate as if it was a steering wheel. Charlie’s grandmother tells him to eat his food rather than play with it. I love the ending of this story because it states, “But Charlie puts his foot down and keeps on going.” I think that is how the reader knows how much fun Charlie had building his village, and overall using his imagination. ( )