Stories from Africa

We purchased a book about African animals from the dollar spot at Target. C and R both enjoy looking at and learning a little about the animals. When C asked if we could find Africa on a map, I was thrilled to oblige.

When there is any sign of interest in a subject, topic, place, etc. we head to the library. The librarian helped us find four books of African stories and folktales. Here is what we have been reading:

Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter is a true story about a woman who returned to her homeland of Africa after studying in the United States to find the land barren, and decided to plant trees and also encourage others to do so. I love this book but it is definitely better for children a little older. C was able to follow the story and understand what happened, but R lost interest quickly. She did like the illustrations.

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric A. Kimmel is a West African tale that we have enjoyed reading several times this week. Anansi is a spider that happens upon a strange moss covered rock and discovers that it is a magic rock. Anansi uses this to trick the other animals in the forest and steal their food. One animal tries to teach Anansi a lesson, but I won't tell you what happens.

Zomo the Rabbit by Gerald McDermott tells the story of an irresponsible rabbit who asks the Sky God for wisdom. He is given three impossible tasks: he must get the scales of Big Fish, the milk of Wild Cow, and the tooth of Leopard. The wisdom imparted upon him in the end is priceless!
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema is a Caldecott Medal winner, and it was our favorite African story. It is an African folktale about a mosquito who tells a lie that sets off a series of events. The events affect everyone in the forest and also cause great distress. This book is an excellent way to teach children about the consequences of telling lies. The book ends with a reason for why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears and why we shoo them away. I enjoyed this book myself.