This book is about a kid who can't play the ukulele and his jerk dad who just goes around making people's things disappear with his wand. They get kicked out of the support group for racial stereotypes they call a town, then vanquish a monster, and then are accepted back: "Bring your darn ukelele. We don't care anymore." You'll notice they spell ukulele wrong in this book. ( )

Based on a South African folktale, a young boy and his father manage to outwit a giant (who reminded me rather a lot of Golem) who has risen from the setting sun. The boy has always been clever, and the father, a magician, has a knack for playing tricks on people and making things *poof* into thin air! The tale is told through a song, “Abiyoyo”, which has a lighthearted, almost goofy, lilting rhythm. The illustrations are vivid and feel folksy, with slightly cartoonish features. ( )

An Americanized version of a South African lullaby and folk story, Abiyoyo tells the story of an ostracized father and son who win the town's affection through the defeat of Abiyoyo, a mythical and destructive giant. The book is based on the song by Pete Seeger, which would be a great supplemental activity to go along with this read aloud. Michael Hays' acrylic paintings are dynamic and colorful, with his interpretation of Abiyoyo being the perfect amount of "scary." The characters living in the fictional town are from all different cultures, which I thought was an interesting artistic choice. ( )

This is a favorite book written by an amazing man. The outcasts prove to have worth too in this kind tale. The annoying magic and music that get them kicked out of town, ostracized, end up being valuable in saving the town from the giant beast, Abiyoyo. ( )

This book is a retold South African tale about a little boy and father who are run out of town because the townspeople do not like the boys’ ukulele or the fathers’ magic. A monster, Abiyoyo shows up in town soon after. The boy and his father save the town using magic and music. This story is wonderful to use in the classroom, the story is engaging and includes lots of onomatopoeia and music. There is a Abiyoyo song that the class will love singing along to. This story has themes of acceptance, love, and the importance of music and culture.

This book was also included as a reading rainbow selection and read on the series. ( )