interesting african adventure. ( )

As Akimbo and his cousin prepare to accompany baboon researcher Jen into the African bush, little do they know the resourcefulness and courage that will be required of them before they make it home. This second-level chapter book reader contains many of the narrative elements of Alexander McCall Smith's excellent mystery stories for adults while maintaining a voice and tone appropriate for younger readers. In fact, the plot of this novel can be found in any number of books for children of this age, with one exception--it takes place in exotic Africa. Akimbo and Kosi behave almost exactly like American children, with just a few cultural differences thrown in for flavor. Disappointingly, Smith forgoes the use of Setswana words and customs that made his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series so engaging in order to create blander, more universal characters.

Of course, there's nothing really wrong with the story, and children in grades 3-5 will certainty like it. The book is even educational, containing a short "Did You Know?" section at the back which details some interesting facts about baboons. One can only wish that it contained more of the African flavor that permeates so much of Smith's work. ( )