Le Petit Botswanais: La vie a Savuti
What’s inside...
Le Petit Botswanais: La vie à Savuti is a beautifully written book by Alistair Wilmot, capturing the life of a young boy as he grows up in the Savuti region of Botswana. The story provides a detailed look into the region's diverse wildlife, tight-knit community, and the breathtaking African savannah. Through the eyes of the protagonist, the book explores the challenges and joys that come with living a traditional life in a small village adjacent to Chobe National Park. Wilmot incorporates local folklore and the daily battle for survival, showcasing the close bond between the local people and their environment. The vivid storytelling allows readers to be transported to Botswana, offering a deep understanding of the local customs and the impact of modern changes on the community and the environment. Additionally, the book also includes a chapter dedicated to the real-life events that inspired the story, enriched with era-specific photographs.
Age
3-8
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the animals in Savuti feel about their home?
What are some ways the little Botswanais shows bravery throughout his adventures?
Why is it important to respect and protect wildlife, as seen in the book?
Can you imagine a day in the life of the little Botswanais? What would you do if you were in his place?
What did you learn about the culture and environment of Botswana from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with the life of the main character in the book.
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation, taking cues from the book’s depiction of Savuti.
Explore the themes of bravery and resilience together, asking your child to recount times when they felt brave.
Use the book’s illustrations to spark conversations about the landscape and animals of Botswana.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, discussing why they chose it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story follows the main character, a young boy from Botswana, as he navigates the difficulties of daily life in Savuti with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own challenges with a similar positive attitude, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and wildlife
Explanation: The book vividly describes the flora and fauna of Savuti, emphasizing the importance of conservation and respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and respect for animals.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: Through the eyes of the young protagonist, readers explore various cultural aspects of life in Botswana, fostering a deep appreciation for different lifestyles and traditions.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and respect diverse cultures in their community, enhancing social harmony and understanding.
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The story highlights how the community in Savuti supports each other, demonstrating the value of strong communal ties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by teaching them the importance of helping and supporting their friends, family, and local community.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist uses his ingenuity to solve problems that arise, showing how creativity can be applied to real-life situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their creativity to think on their feet and solve problems, whether at school, home, or in social situations.