By R. G. Gumbo
Gogo and Panashe Go To London by Ruvarashe Gumbo is such a beautiful book for young readers, especially those between the ages 0 to 7 years old. It’s a children’s book about Panashe, a young boy who is very excited to go to London with his grandmother (Gogo) for a day out. They take the bus, go on the Tube and take the Jubilee Line, take an Uber boat and take a stroll to Buckingham Palace. It’s such an intimate piece of work that captures the bond between grandmother and grandson and how this is a core memory for both of them.
Gumbo made sure to touch on all the aspects that make a children’s book fun and educational.
The use of rhyming words and short sentences is very intentional and appreciated as it draws young readers and piques their interest to understand and sound out words. It is also colourful with very beautiful illustrations which show the vibrance of London. We see them on the bus, which without telling, one knows it’s in London. We see them at Buckingham Palace, waving at the Tower of London and after the long day, getting ready for bed!
It was lovely to hear Gumbo say she wrote the book for her son who always asked for books with characters that looked like him. She also stated that she included Panashe wearing glasses because her son is insecure about wearing glasses which I found to be very touching. Gumbo also mentioned how her son is autistic is learning to express himself and loves to read.
I also loved the representation of people who wear glasses as both Gogo and Panashe wear glasses. It is also beautiful to see young black boys with beautiful afro hair being represented in books. I believe Gumbo was showing how Gogo and Panashe connect in more ways than one. Also seeing Panashe has a bedtime routine was very cute!
Highly recommend, can be read for bedtime or reading lessons.
This article was written by Rudo Manyere, Author and African Lit Reviewer. You can find her other reviews on YouTube: What’s Rudo Reading?