Mango & Bambang

Told over four chapters, this sweetly old-fashioned story from newcomer Faber follows the friendship that develops between a competent, kindhearted girl named Mango and Bambang, a talking tapir from Malaysia...Vulliamy's chic black-and-white illustrations, accented with lavender, play right into the primness and dry humor of Faber's storytelling, helping to create a bustling, adventure-filled urban landscape that readers should be eager to revisit.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This whimsical book is a heartfelt story of friendship with interspersed facts on tapirs. Charming black-and-white illustrations throughout support the text and add to the humor. A quirky new early chapter book series featuring two memorable characters.
--School Library Journal

Each of Mango and Bambang's gentle adventures is discrete enough that emerging readers can break up the book into more digestible pieces, while Vulliamy's cartoonish two-color illustrations--check out that adorable tapir in a tasseled sombrero--add to the whimsical atmosphere. Middle-grade readers tired of the usual animal shtick will be charmed by Bambang.
--Booklist

The absurdity of the premise, Mango's combination of gentle kindness and steely determination, and the charm of Bambang himself provide immediate appeal, while the brief page count, large font, and plentiful illustrations will buoy novice chapter book readers...Fans of the recent Paddington Bear movie and those who love Hilary McKay's animal-centric "Lulu" series may especially enjoy this introduction to Mango and Bambang's adventures.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Mango & Bambang: The Not-a-Pig seems as much like a temptingly packaged confection as a first-in-a-series chapter book for 6- to 9-year-olds. Really, it is both: a delicious and engaging story of the friendship between a city girl and a talking tapir from deepest Malaysia.
--The Wall Street Journal

There hasn't been a story so clever, heartwarming and absolutely delightful since we were introduced to Mercy Watson (who is, in fact, a pig). Faber's first installment reminds me a little of 'My Father's Dragon, ' but it is wholly original. Vulliamy's illustrations are also incredible and have the feel of a classic. I eagerly await Book Two.
--Clarion-Ledger