Safari Journal

Publishers Weekly

Along the lines of his Amazon Diary, Hudson Talbott's Safari Journal poses as the notebook of a 12-year-old boy who accompanies his fashionista aunt on a photo shoot to Kenya. Carey's jottings, snapshots and drawings describe encounters with the Maasai, wildlife and a ring of poachers. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

A geography lesson disguised as adventure fiction and it works! Young Corey is sent along with his "wacky Aunt Elaine" as she and her fashion photography crew head off on an African safari. Along the way, Corey learns quite a bit about Africa, its animals and people, as well as getting caught up in an adventure involving rhinoceros horn poachers. The book is presented in journal format interspersed with photographs, drawings and doodles. Several animals, including the cheetah, elephant and lion, their habits and habitats are described in detail as Corey encounters them in his travels. Corey manages to evade his "fashionista" aunt and the "fabulons" that make up her entourage and instead spends some time traveling with the native guide and his young son, learning about the Maasai culture. The content learning in the volume is very cleverly presented with all the action and adventure. A fast-paced story, credible voice and a very appealing layout will lure in even the most reluctant reader. A must have for every children's library. 2003, Harcourt,
— Sharon Oliver

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-This fictional diary of a 12-year-old boy provides information, adventure, and entertainment through photographs, illustrations, handwritten diary entries, and hastily scribbled notes. Carey is to spend two weeks in Kenya with his "wacky Aunt Elaine," who is a fashion photographer on her way to a photo shoot. After arriving, he befriends Mutongai, a Maasai man who was hired to drive the supplies overland to the shoot locations, and his son Pilot. Through a combination of facts, observations, and illustrations, each animal they encounter is introduced. Carey joins Mutongai and Pilot on their drive from Amboseli to the Maasai Mara Reserve. The trip takes the three on an unforgettable safari and Carey sees a side of Kenya that few outsiders ever encounter. Along the way, readers will catch glimpses of how the Maasai are trying to preserve their land and way of life. Thrown into the mix is a plot involving poachers and endangered rhinos. The information is delivered in thought-provoking and humorous ways and the lively journal/scrapbook entries will have wide appeal, including reluctant readers. This title could be used to initiate discussions about cultural identity, endangered animals, and ecotourism. An author's note provides brief background information.-Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Liberally plastered with photos and color sketches, this hand-lettered journal records a 12-year-old vacationer’s eventful two weeks in Kenya. Initially, Carey’s not thrilled about traveling to Africa with his ditzy Aunt. But after attaching himself to a Maasai game scout and his son, he not only gets to observe lions, wildebeests, leopards, and other big game, but pays an eye-opening visit to a Maasai village, loses his Frisbee to a lurking crocodile, helps nab a group of poachers, and rescues a baby elephant--all while getting an earful from his guide about how and why many of the animals are endangered. As with his Amazon Diary (1996), readers will come away both envying the young narrator for having such exciting experiences, and closer to understanding the importance of wildlife conservation. (afterword) (Fiction. 8-10)