Raf

by Anke de Vries, Charlotte Dematons (Illustrator)

When Ben loses his cuddly friend Raf, he is inconsolable. A few days later, Ben receives a postcard-from Raf. Each week, Ben receives a new postcard from Raf detailing Raf's journeys through Africa. Will the two be reconnected soon?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Travel, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2009

About the author

Anke de Vries is a Dutch writer. She has written over 30 books and has received several prizes.

After she finished her schooling in Ede she traveled around the world. During these travels she met her French husband, Laurent Félix-Faure. He noticed she was good at writing and encouraged her to take a class in creative writing. This resulted in her first book in 1972.

Anke has been awarded The Silver Pen (Dutch National Book Award) and received mention on the List of Honor of the European Prize for Juvenile Literature. She is the mother of three children and lives part time in The Hague and part time in France.

Reviews

[Matthieu Wegh · Rating 4 out of 5]

? Prentenboek in Engelse taal meegenomen uit een minibieb.
🤔 Ik vind vooral de tekeningen mooi, het verhaal iets minder, maar zeker wel aardig om daar ook vragen over te stellen bij het voorlezen.
MW 8/9/22

Vandaag weer voorgelezen bij mijn Iraakse voorleesgezin en direct vertaald in het Nederlands omdat het in het Engels is
MW 25/9/23

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 sterren- Nederlandse hardcover

Benjamin en zijn knuffel Raf zijn onafscheidelijk. Maar op een dag is Raf nergens meer te vinden. Benjamin is ontroostbaar.

Gelukkig ligt er de volgende dag een kaart in de bus. Van Raf! Hij is gevonden en maakt een reis door Afrika. De dagen daarna komen er nog meer kaarten, waarop Raf vertelt over zijn avonturen bij de olifanten, de apen en de giraffen.

En dan krijgt Benjamin een kaart met: we gaan weer naar huis! Zal hij Raf nu eindelijk terugzien?

Een prentenboek over een herkenbaar drama. De lievelingsknuffel is zoek! Maar er is hoop dat Raf toch weer thuiskomt!
Mooi prentenboek over een herkenbaar thema. Ben verliefd op de cover van dit boek!

[Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and his stuffed animal giraffe, Raf, are inseparable...that is until Raf comes up missing! Raf is nowhere to be found but when Ben checks the mailbox, SURPRISE! Raf has been found...but he is in Africa! Postcard after postcard arrives from Raf, documenting his adventures in Africa...but will he make it home in time for Ben's birthday? Fabulous illustrations to go along with a cute story. Kids will love the postcard formatting of the text.

[Irina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a boy's toy giraffe that gets lost, and then the boy receives post cards from his giraffe who is in Africa. This book can be used when talking about traveling as well as when talking about writing letters/ postcards.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

RAF is about a boy, Ben's toy giraffe that goes missing. One day, Ben receives postcards from Raf telling Ben all about his great adventures.
This book is full of gorgeous, vivid pictures that captivate and a simple story that my little one loves to listen to as I read it.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Travels of a stuffed animal - great lapread

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben's stuffed giraffe goes on a journey and sends postcards along the way. Illustrations make the book.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun idea! I want to send post cards and pictures to my son from a stuffed animal.

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

giraffe, stuffed animals, comfort object, Africa, traveling, post cards

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A giraffe toy travels the world and sends postcards to its owner. He comes back much changed.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

i like the story line but it could have been executed better

[Joella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures! But the story had a few holes for me. How did Raf end up in Africa? Who knew to bring him back? Nice idea, wish it were more.

[Sarah Coggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about the adventures of a child's loved stuffed giraffe.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - I have dyslexia - liked this book a lot. 🌹🌷🦋

[Alberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uno dei grandi successi di casa, conosciuto grazie al laboratorio di lettura del nido che lo ha proposto ai bimbi, e il piccoletto lo ha voluto, e gradito, anche a casa.

Una bella storia sul distacco, sul tenersi in contatto, sull'attesa e sulla sopresa, sulle esperienze e i cambiamenti.

[Enid · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all children who have ever lost a precious lovey.

[Mariëlle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little book for children.

[Laura Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heerlijk prentenboek! Afgelopen week weer met veel plezier op de groep voorgelezen.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of two friends who are separated, but as one travels through the continent of Africa, he tells the other all about it through post cards.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raf and Ben are inseparable. One cold winter day Raf loses his little boy. But lucky for him, all is not lost! Raf is off on an adventure! He has been found and is now in the desert of Africa! He sends Ben a postcard. This is just the beginning of his adventure to different places in Africa. He sends a postcard to Ben at every new stop. But one day, when Ben's birthday is drawing near, the postcards stop coming. What happened to Raf? Will he make it back in time for Ben's birthday?

This sweet book brings to life the relationship between a child and stuffed teddy in a meaningful way. It also highlights how time apart can change a person but the special things you shared with them will remain. The illustrations of this book span both pages without borders. Most of the text is the message that Raf sends to Ben in the postcard. It's a fun book to talk about travel, writing letters, or even how meaningful stuffed teddies can be.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not my favorite.