““Kali and Sida: Finding Home by Margaret Mendoza is a delightful children's animal story that skillfully weaves the important lesson of teamwork through the experiences of its main characters. On one side of a huge mountain named Mount Baco, Sida who is a tarsier lives with her family. On the other side of the mountain, a tamaraw named Kali lives with his family. Every day the families live in harmony until one day, a powerful, destructive typhoon sweeps over the mountain. Strong torrents of water carry Sida and Kali away from their families. Though sometimes fearful and unsure, both work together to overcome each challenge on their journey as they look for the way back home and hope to become reunited with their families. Kali and Sida contains informative content about tarsiers and tamaraws; both species can be found in the Philippines. Kali and Sida have their individual strengths and weaknesses. While Kali is a good swimmer, for instance, Sida can see well in the dark. The story teaches the value of teamwork which includes the importance of listening to others and recognizing the value they add to the team. The story also instills problem-solving skills. While Sida and Kali could easily become discouraged, they find solutions to each obstacle in the journey. It also explores the value of listening to advice. Kali’s first step in the journey is guided by what his parents had always told him with regard to finding his family when lost. The illustrations are also creative. They help tell the story by showing the occurrences in each scene. Kali and Sida: Finding Home by Margaret Mendoza is a rewarding and valuable children’s book that contains lessons on teamwork.”
Edith Wairimu
““In Kali and Sida: Finding Home by Margaret Mendoza, we are introduced to a tarsier monkey named Sida who lived on a large mountain called Mount Baco. Tarsiers are the smallest and slowest animals in the area. On the other side of the mountain, there is a tamaraw named Kali. Quite the opposite from Sida, Kali and his kind are the largest and fastest animals on the mountain. Everything was perfect until a powerful typhoon swept over the mountain, separating Kali and Sida from their families. Both animals were terrified and when Kali headed to the high ground like he was taught, he hit a tree where little Sida was hiding. Kali had never seen a creature quite like Sida and he asked what Sida was. When Sida explained that he was a tarsier, he asked in return and found out Kali was a tamaraw. Both realized that there were only a few of their kind left. Both decide to head to the high ground while looking for their families together. Going through many obstacles, the two stuck together throughout their journey to find their families. Kali and Sida: Finding Home is a fun and informative children’s book that people of all ages can enjoy. I really like how the author chose two animals that aren’t really well known and not the typical creatures you would see in most books about animals. I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about tarsiers and tamaraws. After reading the book, I found myself Googling to find out more information on these two animals. Kali and Sida are very likable characters that are easy and fun to follow along on their journey to find their families. The illustrations are beautifully done and fit perfectly with the storyline. Overall, I found the book a great read, and Margaret Mendoza has done a wonderful job of telling the story of these two unique animals.”
Tiffany Ferrell
“Kali and Sida: Finding Home is an educational animal picture book for children written by Margaret Mendoza and illustrated by Oliver Kryzz Bundoc. Under normal circumstances, Kali and Sida would never have even met each other. Sida was a diminutive tarsier, which is a tiny tree-dwelling, nocturnal mammal; Kali, a massive tamaraw, is related to water buffaloes, and generally grazes diurnally. The two young animals ended up separated from their families after a typhoon struck the mountainous region where they lived. Could they work together to find their families again? How could they get past what seemed to be impassable barriers? Margaret Mendoza’s Kali and Sida is a marvelous fable that shows children how even creatures who seem very different from one another can work together and help each other out, while it also introduces them to two very unusual animals, the tarsier and the tamaraw. The author’s Animal Profiles page teaches kids about each animal and discusses how one species is critically endangered and the other is “vulnerable to being endangered if not properly preserved and protected.” A great selection for storytime, this story is a marvelous way to address the subject of conservation and the growing threat encroaching civilization poses to creatures like Kali and Sida. Oliver Kryzz Bundoc’s illustrations are brilliant and give young readers a peek into life in a far-away place as they follow Kali and Sida in their search for their families. Kali and Sida: Finding Home is highly recommended.
Jack Magnus
““Here is an altogether lovely story and altogether lovely book. Children and adults alike will enjoy the adventures of Kali and Sida, two very different animals who work together towards a common goal, taking advantage of each other’s gifts and strengths, encouraging each other through their challenges, and becoming friends in the process. Ultimately, they achieve what neither could have on their own. The story is direct and engaging, the illustrations (some by the author herself) are likewise bold and lively. I especially appreciate learning about the land, and, thanks to the very informative animal profiles, the animals I knew very little about before reading this book.”
Iris Z.
““Both my 4- and 7-year old loved the story and characters - so special and unique! My kids being 50% Filipino, 50% Italian and 100% Canadian, it was refreshing to learn something new about part of our heritage and the rare creatures of our mother/home land. We can't wait to share it with all our family and friends, who come from various and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, but can commonly appreciate a beautifully written and illustrated tale about kinship, coming together, and finding one's place/belonging - against all odds.”
Mary Rose C.
“"Kali and Sida is a delightful story highlighting the importance of friendship, caring, and cooperation. We all have valuable skills and qualities to contribute, and we are stronger and more successful when we work together. This is a timely and timeless message. I also appreciate the fact that part of the proceeds from this book will go towards protecting these endangered species. Kudos to the young author for a brilliant first book!"
Jen M
““Kali and Sida is a delightful story that will engage your child, and interest them in the two endangered species who are the heroes of the story. Not only will children enjoy the story of danger, working together and rescue, the information at the end of the book about these two animals is just right -- interesting, informative and not too much. What a wonderful book from such a young author! Looking forward to her future books.”
Lisa H.
““Very happy and proud to read a story that captures life in the rural parts of Philippines. Wonderful read for the whole family to bring awareness of the endangered species that we need to protect and our impact on their environment. It’s a reminder that there are humans/animals who face these challenges on a regular basis but find a way to live in harmony with nature through their patience and perseverance.”
Johan C.
““This book is 100% recommendable for any caring parents, beside the fact that it talks about friendship between two different groups of animals which is not easy to find every day it is also teaching our children about team work, affection and the reality of the world today. Very well written and enjoyable and love the fact that it based on real animals and provides data about their living space. Thank you and looking forward to the next book.”
Mariella E
““This book is 100% recommendable for any caring parents, beside the fact that it talks about friendship between two different groups of animals which is not easy to find every day it is also teaching our children about team work, affection and the reality of the world today. Very well written and enjoyable and love the fact that it based on real animals and provides data about their living space. Thank you and looking forward to the next book.”
Mariella E
““Simple yet with educational details. It's easy to love stories of animals, especially ones we may have never heard of before that live in different areas of the world.”
Frank D.
““Kali and Sida Finding Home is a heartwarming children's book with a plot that encourages teamwork and friendship. The book included descriptions about tarsiers and tamaraws and my young nephew loved learning all about them.”
Lisa C.
““The perfect book for the early reader(s) in your home or school. The messages of friendship and team work are those that all kids need early on in life. Such a beautiful story and illustration from a young and talented writer. A++”
Rob M.
