Water Buffalo Days: Growing Up in Vietnam

I borrowed this book from our local library, thinking it was just any other book. When I read the book, I enjoyed reading the adventures. Later on, I was surprised to discover that all the adventures were true. People could learn a lot from this book, not only about where the author lives but lessons in life, as well. After I returned the book, I decided to read it again, and this time, I borrowed both of the author's books. I've really enjoyed these books and think that children would benefit from reading these books, too. I hope that the author writes some more books about his memories.

The author is the young child in this story. He described his relationship with two of the family buffaloes. One water buffalo name was Water Jug. The other buffalo's name was Tank. Water Jug died of old age. After Water Jug died Ngoung[the young child in the story]and his fater went looking for buffalo. The found a great young bull. Ngoung and the buffalo played alot. One day a war spread over their country. A bullet hit Tank and one hour after the war Tank died.

As an elementary school teacher who loves children's literature, I try to read all the Bluebonnet books every year. This was one of the best. I really learned about life in a Vietnamese village from the perspective of a young boy. Even without learning this background, the book is a great story for all children and adults who love animals.

This is my favorite book that I've ever read because I like how the author describes his life. I read this book because it was a Bluebonnet book at my school. I never knew that I would like it this much. I just picked it out, and started to read it at the library. My favorite part was when Tank(the waterbuffalo) fights the herd's leader (Hurricane) and wins. I think you should read this book because it tells about a boy's life in Vietnam.

Before I read this book with my son I told him what I learned about Vietnam from growing up with the war on TV. The Vietnam of this story is not the same place.The author and his water buffalo, Tank, face many dangers together. Tank protects the herd and the village and his young master from dangers such as otters, crocodiles, wild boars and tigers. Only the last chapter mentions the human dangers we've come to associate with Vietnam, and it leaves the reader wishing that those dangers had never visited that country. I recommend this book to any of the now well over 30 generation who'd like to discuss the history they lived through with their children or grand children.