Synopsis: Mama has bought some dress material to make an outfit for Thelma’s wedding. She and Jamela wash it and hang it on the line to dry. Jamela volunteers to look after the fabric while it’s on the line. When a warm breeze wraps the fabric around Jamela she can’t resist parading through town to show off Mama’s new dress. The fabric is ruined and Mama is upset. With the help of local photographer, Archie, sadness turns to joy through Jamela’s transformation into Kwela Jamela African Queen. An author’s note at the end of the book outlines the history of the word ‘kwela’ and how it has come to mean action and excitement.

Review: Jamela’s parade through town is described in rich rhythmic language that carries the reader along and crescendos at Jamela’s queenly photo op. This joyful high is followed in the next spread by a crashing low as Jamela is scolded for ruining the fabric. Her despair and sense of shame are tangible as she is left to suffer for a couple of pages before Archie arrives to help. What follows is a gentle rebuilding of Jamela’s self esteem through the support of Archie and forgiveness from Mama. The overarching feeling at the end of the story is one of reassurance to a young child that even if they mess up they will not have to cope on their own and they will still be loved.

This is a comforting well-crafted tale with a fun, emotionally true character taking centre stage. Painted in a warm palette that reflects the reassuring tone of the story the illustrations have a loose-flowing, breezy style full of movement and life. These are not pictures to be lingered over as away from the central action they lose focus. Predominantly this technique complements the flow and language of the story, working with the composition of the images on the page to push the reader along but, on a second or third read, the sketchiness of detailed scenes such as the shop interior could be frustrating. A particular strength of the drawings is that characters are rendered with a wealth of expression and personality.

Buy this Book

2008-04-08