The Horn Book Guide

INTERMEDIATE FICTION

Burns, Khephra

Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali

56 pp. | Harcourt/Gulliver | October, 2001 | Trade ISBN 0-15-200375-4 $$18.00

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon. Fourteenth-century Malinke ruler Mansa Musa demonstrated his kingdom's wealth by leading a pilgrimage to Mecca. Burns invents a story of Musa's childhood that is part coming-of-age tale, part cautionary tale, and part fairy tale. The story is beautifully supported by the Dillons' jewel-like illustrations and stylized text ornaments on parchment-colored pages. The exotic setting and common fairy-tale motif will intrigue the right reader. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2001