Baby Abiba Orangutan Diva by Hans Kullberg
Baby Aviva Orangutan Diva (Viva Arriba Aviva Books) by Hans Kullberg is a lighthearted story about a baby orangutan getting into all sorts of adventures with her jungle friends. It’s a fun read, but also one with a deeper message and a poignant origin.
We meet Baby Aviva, our Orangutan Diva, bursting from the trees like a rocket swinging through her jungle home in a dress fit for a rainforest princess as she greets her friends, the sun, and the moon with her good morning tune. On the hunt for her favorite snack — a banana, of course — she comes up empty, only to find bushels of them across the river of crocodiles and, waiting on the other side, tigers, oh my!
With a great show of bravery, she sets off on her treacherous journey with the help of her elephant pal, Sofia. Upon landing safely, she comes face to face with the yellow eyes of a tiger and its great roar rips through the skies. Baby Aviva, our Orangutan Diva, being as kind and brave as she is, wants to become friends.
So she starts to sing. Amazingly, her new tiger friend starts to dance! The tiger is so moved by her kindness, it gives her the prized banana bushel, and she returned home a hero, with beloved bananas for everyone.
LIFE LESSONS AND THE LOVE OF A FATHER FOR HIS BABY DAUGHTER
With her courage and friendly demeanor, Aviva the Diva teaches lessons that everyone of all ages can benefit from. Never judge a book by its cover (or a tiger by its roar); you could be missing out on something great if you can’t see past that. And also, always be yourself because “at the end of the day, that’s what matters most, above everything else.” Everyone has a light that shines through them, and the only way for that light to reach others is to be who you truly are.
The creative rhymes throughout the story truly make this a fun and flowing read, just like one of Aviva’s special songs. The verses, coupled with the colorful and detailed illustrations by Carl Mefferd, are sure to keep a child of any age entertained.
While this book is sassy and fun, it is also a labor of love and loss. Sadly, Kullberg lost his 10-month-old daughter Aviva in 2020, after whom our diva is named. Just like Aviva the orangutan, Aviva the human was courageous and joyful, with a zest for life — not to mention a love of bananas!
Kullberg’s only wish is for Aviva’s story to bring joy and smiles to children worldwide. I am here to say, mission accomplished; I couldn’t stop smiling! Hans, thank you for sharing your daughter’s light with us. Baby Aviva Orangutan Diva reminds us to hold our loved ones close for as long as we can, not taking a single moment for granted.
Check out the book trailer here.
