Well, I have been blessed to read many children's books. It is a great way to glean what children have faced, are facing, and will face in an ever changing society with so many obstacles. "Opio and the Forbidden Root" is a very insightful and adventurous story. Little Opio takes us inside the mind of a child quite curious when parents tell him/her not to do something. What happens is that young Opio is disobedient to his father and that is not the surprise. The surprise is that there will be a life lesson defined for all youth to grow from and develop into wise adults. Opio has to experience first hand why he should have been obedient to his father and what the real-life consequences were when he was not. The story is written in such a way that you are drawn into Opio's experience from every point of view: parent, child, sibling, teacher, preacher, community leader, etc. He is telling us how ... well, you have to read the book and then read it to every child to teach him/her "why NOT!" Powerful! The illustrations are remarkable from cover to cover! Beautiful, eye-catching, and explain the reason his big almond eyes dance then that heart-melting smile of his frowns. What makes this story unique is that it goes right to the crux of what is destructive in the world and is not restricted to culture or race. I have to confess, my favorite illustration is when he remembers what his father warned him not to do! The storyline reads smoothly and is very well-written; especially considering this Author is a first-time children's story/book writer AND illustrator (Harper Collins where are you?!). KUDOS Mr. Salahuddin! Come on and let's join the adventures of Opio! This is one ride we want all our children, nieces, grandchildren, students, (umm, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc.) to be a part of!
This book is truly a great gift for kids of all ages!
Passing the wisdom, peace, and love,
Posted By: agnes levine
Saturday, September 21st 2013 at 10:42AM
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