Review - Get Off That Camel!

Get Off That Camel!
by A. H. Benjamin
illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi
Date: 2019
Publisher: Karadi Tales
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

From the time Meena was a baby, she's been obsessed with camels. This fixation becomes stronger when she's gifted a real camel for her birthday. Thrilled with her new pet, Meena simply refuses to get off that camel!

This delightful story by veteran children's author A. H. Benjamin is accompanied by Krishna Bala Shenoi's vibrant, colorful illustrations, and promises to take readers on a ride they'll never forget.

(synopsis from back cover; see it on Goodreads)

This adorable picture book comes to us from India. I have no idea how my local library got their hands on a copy, but I'm glad they did. Get Off That Camel! is a cute story about a little girl and her beloved pet.

Meena is absolutely obsessed with camels. So when her parents get her a real one, naturally, she rides it everywhere. Meena's having a great time... but her family, friends, and community aren't so enamoured with her cameline pal. Soon, the camel has been banned from pretty much all public spaces, and Meena's parent haul her off to the doctor to see what can be done. Predictably, the doctor says that there's nothing wrong with the girl. As for the camel... well, you'll just have to read the book and find out what happens.

The story is simple, but the illustrations are precious. A decidedly Indian flavour is infused throughout the pictures, and the characters themselves are so cute. Watching the camel try to sit at a school desk or take a bath in the bathtub is super amusing; there are so many scenarios in here where camels just don't fit, but that's what makes them so funny.

I'm not sure about the general availability of this book for North American audiences, and it barely even has a presence on Goodreads. That's a shame, because Get Off That Camel! has plenty to offer young readers... including a loving message of doing right by our animal friends.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5