The Walking School Bus
Written by Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela
Illustrated by Andrew Jackson Obol
Greystone Kids, 2023, 40 pp (unpaged)
ISBN: 9781771644693
This beautifully crafted and inspiring picturebook follows the journey of two siblings, Shaka and Nandi, who live in a remote village in South Africa. When their father takes a job far from home, making it impossible to walk them to school as usual, the siblings are left to navigate the perilous journey to school on their own. The once familiar path is now fraught with danger, from the lurking threat of thieves beneath a bridge to the loneliness of the road ahead. Despite their efforts to find comfort at home, they quickly realize that life without the warmth of their teacher and the companionship of their friends feels incomplete.
One day, while playing in the sand, Shaka and Nandi stumble upon a toy school bus. This small but significant discovery ignites their imagination, leading them to brainstorm various solutions for getting to school—buying a bus, building a makeshift one—but each attempt falls short. Undeterred by these setbacks, their mother’s comforting words, “Tomorrow is another day, and you’ll find another way,” instill in them a quiet resilience and renewed hope. With this encouragement, they conceive of the idea of a “walking school bus,” where they gather other children to walk together as a united group. This simple yet brilliant innovation not only ensures their safety but also sparks a movement, as children in neighboring villages follow their lead. Soon, more children are walking to school in their own “buses,” discovering that in unity, they are not only safer but also stronger.
The story powerfully illustrates the themes of community and imagination, showing young readers that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome through collective effort and creative thinking. Beyond its immediate narrative, The Walking School Bus reflects on broader issues of educational access and stands as a tribute to the resilience and determination of children who strive to learn despite the barriers they face. The book fosters empathy and global awareness among young readers, encouraging them to value their education and recognize the varied challenges children around the world encounter. It conveys a profound message that when young minds are fueled by creativity, hope, and perseverance, they can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
The illustrations in The Walking School Bus play a crucial role in bringing the story to life by immersing readers in a rich cultural landscape and highlighting the resilience of its characters. The colorful, cartoonish art style captures the attention of young readers, while Afrocentric elements lend the narrative depth, offering both children and adults an authentic glimpse into the realities of education in rural communities like those in South Africa. These detailed visuals depict daily life, from traditional clothing to farming, making the story both educational and culturally enriching. The characters’ expressive faces, particularly the wide, curious eyes of the children when struck by new ideas, deepen the emotional connection with readers. Additionally, the clever contrast between light and dark underscores key themes, with the shadowy portrayal of thieves under the bridge contrasting with the bright moments of unity, symbolizing how the children’s strength dispels fear.
Given the theme of community, The Walking School Bus can be paired with Be a Hero: Being Back at School During Covid-19 by Katherine Hurewitz, Chantelle Thorne and Burgen Thorne (2021), which teaches young readers about the importance of keeping their community safe. Exploring the theme of social impact, Making a Difference: An Inspirational Book About Kids Changing the World! by Stacy C. Bauer and Emanuele Ntamack (2022) is an excellent companion. This book showcases inspiring stories of children worldwide who are positively impacting their communities, emphasizing the power of young minds to create meaningful change through creativity, hope, and perseverance. A particularly resonant pairing is Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai & Kerascoët (2017) about Malala’s childhood dream of having a magic pencil to change the world. As she grew older, Malala realized that even without a magic pencil, hard work and determination could make her wishes come true. In the context of innovation and hard work in Africa, The Walking School Bus pairs well with I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon by Baptiste Paul, Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon (2019). The book tells the story of environmentalist Tantoh Nforba, who works to bring clean water and sustainable farming practices to his community in Cameroon.
Aaron Friedland, the founder and executive director of the Simbi Foundation, brings a wealth of personal experience to The Walking School Bus, his first and only book. His inspiration for the story came from his time spent living and researching in rural Africa, where he observed firsthand the challenges children face in accessing education. Friedland’s work with the Simbi Foundation reflects his commitment to ensuring educational access for all children.
Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, is a social activist and head of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation. Her involvement in the book brings a powerful perspective on the importance of education and community support, drawing from her deep commitment to continuing her grandfather’s legacy. Mandela enriches the narrative by incorporating several words from her native Xhosa language—such as umama (mother), ubaba (father), and watoto (children)—along with the popular African song “Shosholoza.” These elements add an emotional depth to the story, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the culture and setting. Mandela’s own experiences color the book, adding authenticity and a profound sense of place and tradition.
Andrew Jackson Obol, known for his Afrocentric art, captures the essence of the story with his vibrant and expressive illustrations. His work, deeply rooted in his Ugandan heritage, adds a layer of cultural richness that enhances the narrative’s impact. Obol has illustrated several other books that vividly depict African culture, such as Something Old, Something New by Cathy Kreutter (2022), a retelling of the Jewish folktale about a boy and his grandfather who creatively repurpose an old school uniform. Another notable work is The Rock and Roll Rolex, also by Kreutter (2018), a humorous story that plays on the musical phrase “rock and roll” while celebrating the popular Ugandan snack, the rolex. Both books showcase Obol’s ability to bring African stories and traditions to life through his art.
Rana Taheri, Montana State University
Narges Zandi, University of Arizona
© 2024 by Rana Taheri & Narges Zandi