Gugu's House

This is an interesting book about art in Zimbabwe. Gugu decorates her compound with many natural paints and materials. When rain comes, everything is ruined but it is a time of celbration, the dry season becomes rainy and the plants and animals grow.

The author of Gugu¡¯s House uses her colorful imagination as well as her personal experiences as the basis for the plot and illustrations in this book. A curious little girl named Kukamba, who is the narrator and a main character, learns an intriguing lesson about the importance of art in the community from her grandmother, Gugu. Gugu¡¯s bright personality develops through her creation of art in everything that surrounds her. Stock based her character on the story of a woman who shares this same love of artwork with Gugu. Gugu instills this same value and appreciation in her granddaughter, who also possesses a vivid imagination. On a rainy day, Kukamba emerges to find that the water washes the beautiful masterpieces away. Gugu, who is also the town¡¯s inspirational storyteller, quickly reminds Kukamba that there are amazing and wonderful things to see in all of the nature that surrounds her. She takes the young girl to view the bright colors and wildlife that come with the rain. Kukamba is enlightened and immediately returns to create new masterpieces with her prime motivator, Gugu. Stock wrote the text in a happy and upbeat fashion that compliments the mood of the characters. Stock¡¯s vibrant illustrations of Gugu and Kukamba¡¯s artwork as well as those of the lush vegetation coincide with the liveliness of the story. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy reading and learning from this entertaining book.Stock, Catherine. Gugu¡¯s House. New York: Clarion Books, 2001.