African Books

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale

Verna Aardema

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( D ) -> Dillon, Diane

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This is an awesome tale! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I read this book as a small child when it originally received the Caldecott medal and I have loved it ever since. It has even become a favorite of my children who love the pictures and laugh everytime the mosquito gets WHACKED at the end. This is a also a great story to use to discuss cause and effect and I have had some wonderful discussions with my students utilizing this book. I would consider this a must read for any little person and adults alike!

Onomatopoeia 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I randomly selected this book at the library and was surprised to find that I could use it in my classroom! We just happened to be studying onomatopoeia at the time. Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitates the sound it is describing (buzz, bam, pow, hiss, etc.). I had my seventh graders listen to the story as I read it aloud. They had to write each example of onomatopoeia that they heard. They loved the story, and it was a great reinforcement for what we were studying.

Editorial Review:

In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece."--Booklist, starred review. Full color.

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain (Reading Rainbow Book)

Verna Aardema

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Incredible Response! 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book after having it recommended while taking a graduate level children's literature class. I was not disappointed! I grabbed this book to read aloud if I had extra time while substitute teaching for a kindergarten class. I thought the children would be more attracted to the rhyme and pattern of the words so imagine my surprise when the book sparked a lengthy discussion between 5 year olds about drought, Africa, animals, and culture! It prompted questions that I didn't even know they were capable of asking and had them making connections to weather in our own backyard and stories they heard on the news. This book is a reading, social studies, and science lesson in one!

My Kids Love This Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

After hearing James Earl Jones read this book on Reading Rainbow, I knew I had to buy it. My two very young sons (ages 1 and 2) sat entranced the whole time. Of course that may have been because it was the voice of Darth Vader, but hey, it's a great book all on its own. My husband now reads this book to them at bedtime every night.

Editorial Review:

The story of how Ki-pat ingeniously brings rain to the arid Kapiti Plain. "Cumulative rhyming tale with the rhythm and repetition of The House That Jack Built . . . Illustrations are stylized, simple, and dramatic."--School Library Journal.

Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti (An Owlet Book)

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( M ) -> McDermott, Gerald

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Anansi the Spider is a wise, funny, mischievous, and loveable folk hero who pops up in traditional Ashanti tales from Ghana, in West Africa. This story, retold and illustrated by Gerald McDermott, relates the tale of father Anansi and his six spider sons. When Anansi sets out on a dangerous journey and gets into all sorts of trouble, each son does one thing to help, and all their efforts together save their father. He finds a mysterious, beautiful globe of light in the forest, and decides to make it a gift of thanks. But which son should receive the prize? Even with the help of Nyame, the God of All Things, he can't decide, so Nyame takes the great globe up into the sky, and that's where it has stayed ever since--the moon, for all to see. This profound story reaches children of many ages; younger ones see it as an exciting rescue story, but older children are intrigued by the larger themes of cooperation and "the whole being more than its parts."

Anansi the Spider, McDermott's first book, received immediate acclaim and was named a Caldecott Honor Book. McDermott has retold and illustrated many other folktales and myths during his long career, including Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale, which received the Caldecott Medal, Musicians of the Sun, and a series of trickster folktales from around the world. He has a rare combination of skills, being both a gifted writer and a talented artist. His distinctive graphic style using bold shapes and brilliant colors is always striking, but is especially well suited to the story of Anansi, with traditional African motifs skillfully integrated throughout the art. This is a story that can be read over and over again! (Ages 4 to 9) --Marcie Bovetz

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Reading Rainbow Book)

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( S ) -> Steptoe, John

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

a beautiful African folk tale 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This story is based on an African tale that is similar in nature to Cinderella. In this story a man named Mufaro had two beautiful daughters, one named Manyara, and one named Nyasha. Manyara is rude to Nyasha, who just calmly bears it. When a call comes saying the Great King wants a wife, Mufaro plans to take his daughters to the palace the next day. Manyara decides to leave in the night to make she is chosen to be Queen. During the journey she is rude to a number of people, who turn out to be the King himself, shape-shifted into those forms as well as the form of a garden snake well-known to Nyasha. When Nyasha passes the next day, she is kind where her sister was rude. Needless to say the King picks Nyasha, and they live happily.

The story is told well, and the language used is wonderful, though not quite as wonderful as the illustrations. They almost look more life-like than photographs. The way lighting is used is amazing, and they are just stunning pictures. Everything about this book is wonderful, with nothing to detract from it.

Loggie-log-log-log

Editorial Review:

Mufaro was a happy man. Everyone agreed that his two daughters were very beautiful. Nyasha was kind and considerate as well as beautiful, but everyone -- except Mufaro -- knew that Manyara was selfish, badtempered, and spoiled.

When the king decided to take a wife and invited "The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughters in the Land" to appear before him, Mufaro declared proudly that only the king could choose between Nyasha and Manyara. Manyara, of course, didn't agree, and set out to make certain that she would be chosen.

John Steptoe has created a memorable modem fable of pride going before a fall, in keeping with the moral of the folktale that was his inspiration. He has illustrated it with stunning paintings that glow with the beauty, warmth, and internal vision of the land and people of his ancestors.

Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster Tale from West Africa

Gerald McDermott

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

He is not big. He is not strong. He is fan-freakin-tastic 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Is there any higher praise an author/illustrator can receive than to hear a reviewer say, "Well, I never really loved anything else this person did, but I think this book is bloody brilliant"? Probably. But I for one feel that Gerald McDermott (who I've always respected but never felt any real affection for) really hit the nail on the head with this book. "Zomo" has the near impossible task of being both amusing and informative. So many African folktales relayed in children's picture books end up being a little dry and dated. For example, the book "Zomo" most resembles in plot is, "A Story, A Story" by G. Haley. Yet that book is a dour dull creation when compared to this amazing little concoction. This is a book that every child should read at least once in their lives.

As you open the book you see a clever little rabbit all decked out in kinte cloth. The text reads, "Zomo! Zomo the rabbit. He is not big. He is not strong. But he is very clever". When Zomo decides that being clever is not enough and that he wants wisdom as well he quickly requests it from the Sky God. To attain wisdom's secrets, the Sky God commands Zomo to fetch him the scales of Big Fish of the sea, the milk of Wild Cow, and the tooth of Leopard. Zomo immediately sets out to fulfill these tasks. For the fish he plays a catchy tune on his drum, so entrancing the sea dwelling creature that it dances its scales off. The Wild Cow is lured into a tree and, while stuck, Zomo milks it. As for Leopard, some of the slippery scales dropped into slippery milk cause the feline to slip and knock out a tooth. When Zomo presents these items to the Sky God he is instantly told that wisdom consists of courage, good sense, and caution. Zomo has thus far had the first two, but now with three new enemies he should exercise the last for a while.

I think what I loved best about this book was Zomo himself. This is a remarkable thing too. Too often the cocky hero of a tale (especially a trickster tale) is too brash and self-important to garner any real love from the reader. But Zomo's different. He's sprightly and a joy to follow. From the geometric patterns of his face to the energetic dancing of his little black furry feet, he's a pure pleasure to watch. The illustrations themselves are so bright and cheery it puts such similarly colorful stories like, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" to shame. But best of all is the narration. I've given you the first sentence of the book, but the rest reads just as well. It's catchy and delightfully placed upon each and every page.

Some books you pick up and groan when your kids want you to read them forty or fifty times in a row. Other books you wish they'd ask you sixty or seventy times more. "Zomo" is in the latter category. A fun filled romp with a delightful West African base, the book is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure to peruse. Highly recommended from here to the sky and back.

Editorial Review:

Zomo the rabbit, a trickster from West Africa, wants wisdom. But he must accomplish three apparently impossible tasks before Sky God will give him what he wants. Is he clever enough to do as Sky God asks? “The tale moves along with the swift concision of a good joke, right down to its satisfying punch line.”--Publishers Weekly “Wildly exuberant, full of slapstick and mischief, this version of an enduring Nigerian trickster tale, featuring a clever rabbit, is a storyteller’s delight.”--Booklist

Abiyoyo (Stories to Go!) Paperback

Pete Seeger

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

abiyoyo 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Illustarations excellent..story in the book and on dvd are a favortie of my grandchildren...must confess, even though I am 67, I enjoyed it too.

Good 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The book was received in a timely manner. It took about a week for me to receive it after placing my order. The book was in new condition. I would definitely order from this seller again.

Editorial Review:

Once there was a little boy who played the ukelele. Wherever he'd go he'd play, Clink, clunk, clonk. His father was a magician. Wherever he'd go, he'd make things disappear, Zoop! Zoop! Soon the townspeople grew tired of the boy's noise and his father's tricks, and banished both of them to the edge of town.

There they lived, until one day the terrible giant Abiyoyo appeared. He was as tall as a tree, and it was said that he could eat people up. Everyone was terrified, except the boy and his father, and they came up with a plan to save the town...

Peter Seeger's storysong, made up for his own children, finds its perfect match in Michael Hays's masterful paintings. Together they make a richly vivid and exciting story.

Fire on the Mountain (Aladdin Picture Books)

Jane Kurtz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Mamo on the mountain 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I think Mamo on the mountain was a good story because the rich man learned his lesson and there were lots of detail in it and finally it was a happy ending and I love happy endings. In school we have been doing some work on Mamo on the mountain and I have enjoyed it. We have been writing stories and been doing differences and similarities. Example in Ethiopia they have the same animals that we do like cows and sheep. Ethiopia is the place where they lived. Well anyway the story is brilliant.

Mamo on the mountain 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I think Mamo on the mountain was a good story because the rich man learned his lesson and there were lots of detail in it and finally it was a happy ending and I love happy endings. In school we have been doing some work on Mamo on the mountain and I have enjoyed it. We have been writing stories and been doing differences and similarities. Example in Ethiopia they have the same animals that we do like cows and sheep. Ethiopia is the place where they lived. Well anyway the story is brilliant.

Editorial Review:

Challenged by his master to spend a bitter-cold night alone in the mountains, an Ethiopian boy bets his future that he will succeed. And he does, warmed only by the sight of a distant fire. When his master refuses to recognize the boy's victory, the boy and his sister decide to beat the rich man at his own game. Watercolor illustrations.

The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2) (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2)

Frank P. Araujo

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A beautiful portrail 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

This fable is common throughout Ethiopia, Eritrea and surrounding countries and the author choose this Ethiopian version to write.

The wonderful images along with simple beautiful text which includes some Ethiopian words is just lovely.

It tells the story of a orphan girl Tshai, her selfless gift to the countries ruler and the darstadly thinking of the wicked Jib. The telling is enhanced by the legend of Ethiopian pronounciations and all round is a lovely addition your library if like me you have an Ethiopian child in your home.

Very special and unusual book 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

The above quoted "Publishers Weekly" nails the critique for this book. It is enchanting and the artwork is dazzling. It is great to be able to offer your child an exposure to tales from other parts of the world, even if otherwise you would not have any connection to Ethiopia. It's fun to look the country up in an atlas with your child. My 4 year-old likes this book a lot. You won't regret it. It's not your everyday fare.

Editorial Review:

Inspiring gentle folktale set in Ancient Ethiopia. Breathtaking watercolors dramatize ancient Ethiopia s contrasting pastoral charm and majesty. Illustrations are rich with Ethiopian details. Fa This story reinforces values of generosity and selflessness over greed and self-centeredness. Glossary of Ethiopian terms and pronunciations. (Ages 4-13) Honored as: (1) Smithsonian Institute "Let s Read Selection" and (2) PBS-TV "Storytime Selection"

African Folktales (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore)

Roger Abrahams

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Great Feast 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This book gives a great representation of folktales from all parts of Africa. These tales highlight the variety of the people and societies on the continent, helping to correct the notion of Africa being one big country. While stylistically consistent, the themese touched in the book speak of sophistication. From epics to simple "lesson" tales, Mr. Abrahams has done a great job laying out the stories. His introduction is also superb, though for some reason two stories he mentions in his introduction are not to be found in the book itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for the "real folk," and not simply beddy time stories (though some stories here could be used for that too!)

African folktales with an unusual twist 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Great tales that help to bring the African storyteller experience home, help teach issues of morality, introduce some of the animal life, paint the lifestyle of women as well as men, and provide the usual creation myths etc. one is accustomed to finding in a book of myths. Explanations to the set of tales, and each section of tales is provided by the author, along with why he believes them to be of importance. I enjoyed them thoroughly because he invites you into his experience.

Editorial Review:

Nearly 100 stories from over 40 tribe-related myths of creation, tales of epic deeds, ghost stories and tales set in both the animal and human realms.

A Story, a Story

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Spider man, spider man. Does whatever a spider can. 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

My husband grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and well remembers the Anase stories that were told to him and his companions in their youth. For myself, Anase was not a character I heard much about as a child. This is a pity when you consider that books like, "A Story A Story" were striving to teach children about the great African (I apologize for not knowing the exact region) folktales. Based on one of many spider stories, "A Story A Story" is a variation on the Prometheus tale. In this case, however, the desired gift of the gods isn't fire but that of stories themselves.

As the tale tells us, long ago all the stories in the world belonged to the Sky God. On behalf of mankind, Anase (presented here not as a spider but as a kind of old spider man) spins a web into the sky and requests the Sky God's stories. The big man upstairs is amused by the request and presents Anase with a series of three near impossible tasks. If the spider man is able to accomplish them, he will be granted the stories. Using his wits and some clever techniques, Anase accomplishes each trial and in the end the world receives a golden box of the Sky God's stories.

Just looking at this tale I realized that it was a perfect companion picture book to Marcia Brown's "Once a Mouse". In both cases woodcut illustrations decorate a well-known fable from a land other than America. In this particular book, children at all familiar with the Brer Rabbit tarbaby story will instantly recognize elements of it in "A Story A Story". Adults could then let their kids know that slaves from Africa would often bring their stories with them, changing them in their new land with some subtle variations. The book itself is illustrated beautifully with what looks to be a series of brightly colored woodcuts. Be sure to locate other fine Anase stories (they exist in abundance, doncha know) if this one suits your fancy. It reflects beautifully the cleverness and richness of a story not too new to our American ears.

Editorial Review:

Winner of the Caldecott Medal

Once, all the stories in the world belonged to Nyame, the Sky God. He kept them in a box beside his throne. But Ananse, the Spider man, wanted them -- and caught three sly creatures to get them.

This story of how we got our own stories to tell is adapted from an African folktale.