Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
First Second (2006), Edition: 1st Edition, 144 pages
Description
Relates the life experiences, from birth to beginning boarding school, of a boy growing up on a rubber plantation in rural Malaysia.
User reviews
LibraryThing member zzshupinga
Lat takes us on a journey of his childhood growing up in the Kitna Valley in Perak in the 1950’s. Lat is master storyteller as he takes us down the wandering path of his memories showing us the ceremonies that were still practiced--such as asking the local teacher to take on students, the feeling
This book is done in a sketchbook style, with written descriptions of the events and illustrations accompanying them. The deceptively simple illustrations are compelling and catch that slice of life that seem to be missing in many modern comics. He doesn’t hesitate to illustrate what life was really like growing up for him, even if it means depicting his own backside as he and his friends strip down to take a swim in the river. Most importantly even though Lat illustrates how things are different in his world, there is much that is similar to our own way of life. The time spent with family and friends, the time spent at school..the more things seem to be different the more there is that is the same.
I highly recommend this book and it's sequel (Town Boy) to anyone and everyone, but particularly to the younger generation. Not just as a chance to illustrate the differences between cultures, but a chance to illustrate the similarities between them.
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of swimming in a river as the cool water washes over you, and the warmth and somewhat craziness of family--like the dad that takes off his shirt to scratch his back on the pole when he gets home from work, caring for siblings, and the discussions of future. But the modern world is gradually approaching with tin dredges and trains and automobiles. And Lat is about to head off to school in another town away from his family.This book is done in a sketchbook style, with written descriptions of the events and illustrations accompanying them. The deceptively simple illustrations are compelling and catch that slice of life that seem to be missing in many modern comics. He doesn’t hesitate to illustrate what life was really like growing up for him, even if it means depicting his own backside as he and his friends strip down to take a swim in the river. Most importantly even though Lat illustrates how things are different in his world, there is much that is similar to our own way of life. The time spent with family and friends, the time spent at school..the more things seem to be different the more there is that is the same.
I highly recommend this book and it's sequel (Town Boy) to anyone and everyone, but particularly to the younger generation. Not just as a chance to illustrate the differences between cultures, but a chance to illustrate the similarities between them.
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LibraryThing member ginarentz
This was a very cute book and has some interesting information on the culture and religion. It is a story of a boy who lives his life in the out skirts of Kampung. Being from a very traditional family (culturally/religious) this little book takes you on a journey through out his life up until he
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leaves his beloved country-side to a school in the nearest city. It includes the birth of his siblinings and how he has to put up with them but also shows his uneasyness but eagerness to hang with the big boys in the "village". Kampung Boy is kind of like a coming of age in a different culture and how he deals with growing situations and his repurcussions of not following the rules, sometimes. Show Less
LibraryThing member Boohradley
Annotation: Life in a kampung, or village, is described through the author's memories of growing up in a traditional Malaysian village.
Review: Lat traces his life from birth to the moment he leaves his village to go to school in a near by village. The illustrations are detailed black and white line
The book shows life in Malayasia in the 1950's and touches on Muslim culture, the economic situation in the village with the description of the tin mines, and social customs such as as gender roles. The plot of the book is a little thin, but there is much for the reader to take in about life in a kampung. Kampung Boy is a enjoyable read that will be enjoyed by younger and older readers of graphic novels.
Reviews: The reviews of Kampung Boy talk about its timeless quality since it was written in the late 70's, although it was first released in the U.S. in 1996. I agree that the most of the struggles and adventures Lat goes through will have universal appeal to children of all backgrounds.
Source: Teacher Librarian. 34.3 February 2007
Review: Lat traces his life from birth to the moment he leaves his village to go to school in a near by village. The illustrations are detailed black and white line
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drawings made in a sketch, or line ink, style. The illustrations are vibrant and show scenes from Lat's life. Especially nice are the the illustrations that depict Lat going swimming with the neighborhood boys, where a real sense of fun is communicated through the art. The book shows life in Malayasia in the 1950's and touches on Muslim culture, the economic situation in the village with the description of the tin mines, and social customs such as as gender roles. The plot of the book is a little thin, but there is much for the reader to take in about life in a kampung. Kampung Boy is a enjoyable read that will be enjoyed by younger and older readers of graphic novels.
Reviews: The reviews of Kampung Boy talk about its timeless quality since it was written in the late 70's, although it was first released in the U.S. in 1996. I agree that the most of the struggles and adventures Lat goes through will have universal appeal to children of all backgrounds.
Source: Teacher Librarian. 34.3 February 2007
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LibraryThing member marnattij
Lat tells the story of his life in Malaysia from his birth to the time he goes away to school.
Funny, energetic, and begging for a sequel.
Funny, energetic, and begging for a sequel.
LibraryThing member mermaidgirl
Fun read with sketches. Hope the author continues the story in other books!
LibraryThing member dr_zirk
Kampung Boy is a gentle, humorous, and nostalgic look at the author's rural childhood in Malaysia. The story is engaging, and the artwork is loose and comical, but also manages to incorporate a strong sense of motion. It's this kinetic visual energy that turns Kampung Boy into something more than a
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routine cartoon autobiography, and gives the narrative a strong sense of fun and vicarious enjoyment. Show Less
LibraryThing member edspicer
Lat is a superstar in Asia! His artwork is collected avidly. This is his introduction into the United States. We should see more books in the years to come featuring Muslim life in the kampung (village). It is the 1950’s and we follow a Muslim boy through his daily life. Technology is just
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beginning to make demands, and production pressures may mark the end of an era for this kampung—an era that shows us hair cutting rituals, religious traditions, and even circumcision in a tasteful, laid back style that matches the time and the place perfectly. Just how many books can we name that feature historical details about Muslims? Recommended for all middle school libraries and high school readers who appreciate fine graphic novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member wilkinsfarago
'Sweet, funny, and brilliantly drawn, Kampung Boy is one of the all-time great cartoon books' - Matt Groening (The Simpsons)
Lat's Kampung Boy is a timeless favourite of millions of readers in Southeast Asia. With masterful economy worthy of Charles Schultz, Lat recounts the life of Mat, a Muslim
Meanwhile, the traditional way of life in his village (or kampung) is steadily disappearing, with tin mines and factory jobs increasingly overtaking the village's agricultural way of life. When Mat himself leaves for boarding school, he can only hope that his familiar kampung will still be there when he returns.
This delightful autobiographical graphic novel is hilarious and affectionate, with brilliant, super-expressive artwork that opens a window into ordinary Malay life.
Such is the affection for this book in his native Malaysia, Lat has been honoured as one of that country's national treasures, entitled to the honorary title, 'Datuk'.
Lat's Kampung Boy is a timeless favourite of millions of readers in Southeast Asia. With masterful economy worthy of Charles Schultz, Lat recounts the life of Mat, a Muslim
Show More
boy growing up in rural Malaysia in the 1950s: his adventures and mischief-making, fishing trips, religious education, and work on his family's rubber plantation.Meanwhile, the traditional way of life in his village (or kampung) is steadily disappearing, with tin mines and factory jobs increasingly overtaking the village's agricultural way of life. When Mat himself leaves for boarding school, he can only hope that his familiar kampung will still be there when he returns.
This delightful autobiographical graphic novel is hilarious and affectionate, with brilliant, super-expressive artwork that opens a window into ordinary Malay life.
Such is the affection for this book in his native Malaysia, Lat has been honoured as one of that country's national treasures, entitled to the honorary title, 'Datuk'.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
What a heartwarming, wonderful story about a boy growing up in a small village in Malaysia. I especially loved how Lat manages to capture so much about the boy in this story and his family in just a few sketches. Every page or two shows a different scene in this quiet (but not that quiet) village.
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I found myself reading it backwards, admiring the drawings. The last few pages were incredibly heartfelt. Show Less
LibraryThing member mdyewhea
4P: The narrator is a young man nicknamed "Mat" who is looking back on his childhood in Indonesia in a tiny "kampung" (village). He remembers mischief with his friends, town gossip, family life, significant events (the circumcision ceremony for a Muslim, his religion), and the wish as he grew older
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to move to a real town. ("Town Boy" comes next). Matt Groening loved the book, and there is a bit of Bart Simpson in mini-Mat, which makes this graphic novel all the more delightful. Show Less
LibraryThing member kerriwilliams
Great story while long I wanted to keep reading to see what happens. This Graphic novel was fun and I enjoyed reading it picked it up and didn't put it down till I was done. The illustrations helped to tell a funny story. I would use this story when talking to students about creating their own
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comics in a Literature class. Show Less
LibraryThing member sonya337
Kampung Boy is funny, sentimental and offers a view into a small rural Malaysian village.The story is told in first person, which allows the reader to experience his small village and life on a rubber plantation first hand. The illustrations are similar to comic book illustrations because they are
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sketched in black and white. The illustrations depict humorous scenes and extenuate the characters physical appearance in a silly, naive technique. I learned a lot about the main character's culture and became attached to his adventurous, curious and innocent character. Show Less
LibraryThing member BrittanyH
Kamoung Boy is a story about Lat, the author, narrator and main character. This book chronicles his life from birth to the age when he leaves his tiny town to begin “my new life” at a boarding school in a nearby big city. The story takes place in the 1950’s but was first published in 1977. It
This book is a great way for children to read and learn about a different culture. Though the illustrations are simple and cartoonish, there is a great amount of detail and depth in each page. Children are able to relate to the character, dealing who is growing up with certain traditions. Readers can also relate to the difficulties that surround changes like leaving family. Overall I thought that is graphic novel is a great way for children to experience a new culture and while still being able to relate to the main character.
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portrays the traditional life of his culture, rituals like his read shaving, ceremonies. Lat also chronicles day to day events like traveling to a nearby village for supplies, and adventures with friends like all children have. This book is a great way for children to read and learn about a different culture. Though the illustrations are simple and cartoonish, there is a great amount of detail and depth in each page. Children are able to relate to the character, dealing who is growing up with certain traditions. Readers can also relate to the difficulties that surround changes like leaving family. Overall I thought that is graphic novel is a great way for children to experience a new culture and while still being able to relate to the main character.
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LibraryThing member questbird
An amusing autobiographical comic about a boy growing up in a small village (kampung) in Malaysia.
LibraryThing member mjspear
Graphic novel (comics) tells of the famous cartoonist's life growing up in a small, rural village ("kampung") in the jungles of Malaysia. Lots of local flavor: patriarchal, Muslim family; village wedding; Koran/Arabic school lessons; ritual circumcision; rubber tree forests; and tin factory. More
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generic insights: father-son relationship, friendship with 3 brothers, fishing, leaving home to go to boarding school. This reader hoped for more flesh on this bare bones story. Show Less
LibraryThing member davetomscholten
Mat is a young boy growing up in rural Malaysia. Kampung Boy is written in the first person. It begins with his birth and ends with his leaving his small village to go off to school in the nearest city. He of course does not remember his earliest years so he relies on those who were present to
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recall the details. There is a lot of attention given to the details of his everyday life. They live on a rubber plantation, so Mat witnesses people working in various capacities throughout his childhood. He spends a long time and many pages explaining his circumcision ceremony. He goes to a Muslim school to learn the Koran, and befriends two a pair of brothers who he plays with quite a bit. But when his father tells him that the plantation will be gifted to him at some point, he puts down his play and takes up studying. He hopes to get into a good school in the nearest city, Kampar. He studies hard and passes the exam and is seen off by the village as he rides the bus out of town. Show Less
LibraryThing member FrancescaForrest
Loved this for the details of village life in Malaysia the 1950s--things you can't get elsewhere, you can get in this graphic novel. Pictures of how a kitchen is set up, or a hammock rigged up so that Lat can rock his baby sister--or, later, a picture of him pulling his little brother along on a
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palm leaf frond. His dad shows him a weaver bird nest and says that weaver birds put fireflies in them to light up the insides. I checked this out online, and it's a widespread belief--people say this in India, too--but I guess it's something ornithologist have never actually seen, not for real. But anyway, little stories like that, I love. I liked everything about this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member FrancescaForrest
Loved this for the details of village life in Malaysia the 1950s--things you can't get elsewhere, you can get in this graphic novel. Pictures of how a kitchen is set up, or a hammock rigged up so that Lat can rock his baby sister--or, later, a picture of him pulling his little brother along on a
Show More
palm leaf frond. His dad shows him a weaver bird nest and says that weaver birds put fireflies in them to light up the insides. I checked this out online, and it's a widespread belief--people say this in India, too--but I guess it's something ornithologist have never actually seen, not for real. But anyway, little stories like that, I love. I liked everything about this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member charlottestudent
The black and white graphics of this book are engaging. Children of all ages would enjoy this book. It has a global message about modernization and industrialization. The book can be used to teach world geography, world religion, and cultures.
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Malaysia. The first in a series by a Malaysian cartoonist. It covers his life from his birth to his departure for boarding school in Ipoh. His life is filled with fishing and swimming with the Meor boys, learning the Koran in school and family functions such as weddings and his own circumcision at
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age 10. He senses his agricultural village on the verge of change, as tin mines and factory jobs slowly take over. Show Less
LibraryThing member Erika.D
The story is biographical of the author's life growing up in the 1950s. It is part of a series. I really did not like the drawings and being a graphic novel, the drawings are as important as the text. He looked like an animal or ape instead of a boy. Just wasn't very impressed with the story. Had
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to read it for an International Children's Literature class. Show Less
LibraryThing member Eoin
A swift and subtle look at a particular and universal childhood. The details from 1950's rural Malaysia are a world away from Western city life, but the themes and experiences remain familiar. A deft, sly touch in the art and pacing makes this the classic it is known it be.
LibraryThing member LibroLindsay
Funny slice-of-life of growing up in Malaysia.
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Panels Read Harder: Comic set in Asia by an Asian creator.
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Panels Read Harder: Comic set in Asia by an Asian creator.
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
This autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Lat's childhood in a small Malaysian village. It's sweet and funny and gives a glimpse into a culture that's not often featured in children's literature. The book takes Lat from birth until he leaves his village to attend boarding school and I
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am clamoring for a continuation of the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
I love the story and the images. I feel like it takes me to another place and time.
Subjects
Awards
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (2006)
USBBY Outstanding International Book (Grades 6-8 — 2007)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2007)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
144 p.; 8.35 x 6 inches
ISBN
1596431210 / 9781596431218