Akimbo and the Baboons

Alexander McCall Smith has a very straightforward style of writing which is clear and descriptive with explanations where necessary; the story is set in an African reserve so there are many fundamental differences between life in Africa versus the UK. AMS weaves a simple adventure story around a fascinating collection of facts about baboons - their habits, behaviour, habitat, predators. It's really a gentle way of learning about life in the African bush through a simple adventure story with uncomplicated use of language. I feel it is almost like fictionalising a non-fiction book about baboons.

This is the third book I have read in my project comparing books by authors who write for children and also for adults, having read 'The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith. The fact that these two books are set in Africa is fundamental to both stories, the way of life, and the culture, drawing on his personal experiences of childhood. AMS has a style of writing which is gentle and easy to read, very relaxed, moving at a slow pace. His stories are informative with collections of facts embedded within them. The characters are often warm and benevolent. But the stories themselves are not very exciting!

I rate this a 3 because I liked the baboons but the story wasn't that good.
I like the facts at the end.

really exiting!

It's a really great book of wonderful characters and surprises in the story.