My Rows and Piles of Coins

Saruni has a hand full of coins as he walks around the marketplace looking at the toys and the fruit and all the tempting things he could buy. But, instead of spending his money he holds tightly to it. This money is going to go home into his money box where he is saving to buy a bicycle. The bicycle will carry the load of goods his mother takes to market to sell every Saturday and sometimes on Wednesdays too. Saruni gets to practice riding his father, Murete's, bicycle. Even though he falls off and the other children laugh, he is determined to keep trying until he can do it well and he's determined to keep his secret until he can get enough money to buy his blue and red bicycle. This is a wonderful story about determination and optimism and believing you can do anything you put your mind to. It's a wonderful story too about life in Tanzania with its rich colors and markets and loving families. E.B. Lewis creates pattern, energy and connection in his illustrations for this book. As always, his light shines in the dark places and celebrates the joyful moments. A wonderful tale about sacrifice, helping others and working toward a goal. 30 pages Ages 5-9