Ostrich and Lark - Hardcover

"The images have a vitality and charm that reinforce the traditional feel of the text. Borders and backgrounds further unify the book's appearance. An opening note tells about the artists and mentions that proceeds from the book go to aid the native peoples of Southern Africa...could be used in the curriculum as appealing examples of current African art and culture." --School Library Journal "Nelson's (Snook Alone) lyrical writing gives a vivid sense of life in the desert: '[O]ver the cicada's drone, a drizzle of buzzings fell, and a downpour of birdsong.' . . . A valuable starting point for classroom discussions about Africa, ecosystems, and finding one's voice." --Publishers Weekly "(Ostrich and Lark) has the flavor of folklore, but this is an original story that Nelson has created to complement the paintings made by Kung San people participating in the Kuru Art Project of Botswana... vibrantly colored, naive oil paintings, bordered uniformly with a broad stripe with a zigzag line in a contrasting hue, are bold and attractive. The message is clear: Ostrich finds "his voice at last, / his own beauty, / his big, terrific self." However, there is no precipitating reason for this change. Does his voice come to him as a matter of maturity? While the story is not fully satisfying, the book deserves an audience for its successful portrayal of the natural world of the Kalahari." --Kirkus Reviews

Ostrich and Lark spend their days on the grasslands of southern Africa surrounded by a chorus of birdsong. From his perch in a tree Lark joins the chorus, while below Ostrich is silent. Then comes the joyful day when Ostrich finds his voice. This picture book about an unlikely friendship is the result of collaboration between the award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson and the San artists of Botswana. The story, which captures the feel of a traditional African folktale, is brought to life with vibrant illustrations inspired by the ancient rock paintings of the San people's ancestors. The author's proceeds from this book will be used to support the San artists of the Kuru Art Project in Botswana.