Ninita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset

Marsh introduces Ninita, a pygmy marmoset that was born deaf and taken in by human caregivers when her parents abandoned her after only three weeks. In Coleman's cuddly, approachable art, Ninita is groomed with a toothbrush ("the bristles felt just like a mother's claws") and she peeks into the pages of a book and climbs up her caregiver's pant leg. Finally, Ninita finds a friend in another pygmy marmoset brought into the house: "While Ninita couldn't hear his chatter or whisper secrets to him, she could climb as high as he could and jump just as fast." Though readers may not gain a clear sense of Ninita's transition from the sanctuary to domestic life, Marsh's author's note includes valuable context. Photos of the real Ninita, and a description of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation and its pygmy marmoset breeding program, conclude. Ages 4-7. (Apr.)

K-Gr 3—Marsh does a wonderful job telling the story of Ninita, a deaf pygmy marmoset, and how she interacts with the world around her. The plot of this book is simple, showing how Ninita was abandoned by her parents, how the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) raised her, and how she became friends with her caretakers, and eventually, other marmosets. The story, both educational and emotional, allows readers to learn more information about marmosets and Ninita through various context clues and images. Coleman's illustrations are adorable and help highlight Ninita's emotions at certain points of the story. They also help create the world around Ninita, so that readers can begin to understand the scope of her surroundings versus the world she wants to explore. Readers can learn more information about pygmy marmosets at the end of the book through both a detailed author's note and a fun facts page. While Marsh is not a scientist, she has clearly done her research and worked with the RSCF in order to deliver a story that is factual, enjoyable, and emotional. Marsh's enthusiasm for Ninita is evident throughout, and she and Coleman have created a narrative that will crawl into your heart with a smile and a small toothbrush. VERDICT An excellent book for reading aloud and teaching children about pygmy marmosets and conservation efforts.—Margaret Kennelly, iSchool at Urbana-Champaign, IL