As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
To continue you need an active subscription to hbook.com.
Subscribe now to gain immediate access to everything hbook.com has to offer, as well as our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database, which contains tens of thousands of short, critical reviews of books published in the United States for young people.
Thank you for registering. To have the latest stories delivered to your inbox, select as many free newsletters as you like below.
No thanks. Return to article
32 pp.
| North-South
| September, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7358-2254-2$16.95
(4)
K-3
In this Tanzanian folktale, famine has struck the land. Unable to shake the ripe fruit from an "amazing tree," little Rabbit suggests asking wise Tortoise for help. The bigger animals insist on going themselves, but they all return having forgotten Tortoise's advice. The writing is occasionally stiff, but the size-doesn't-matter moral will resonate with young readers. Striking illustrations feature anthropomorphized animals dressed in vivid costumes.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-7636-0506-9$$14.99
(3)
K-3
When Elephant and Hippo begin to bully the smaller animals, Tortoise challenges them each to a tug of war. After a few hours of futile pulling they learn new respect for the tortoise--little knowing they were pulling against each other the whole time. Flourishes from the oral tradition and lively folk-art-like watercolors distinguish this retelling of a southern Tanzanian tale.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| January, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-395-82908-9$$15.00
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Rosanne Litzinger.
In this adaptation of a southern African tale, a magical song bird helps young Mariamu steal back her village's cattle from the cruel monster Makucha. The flat perspectives and rainbow palette of the watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are a pleasing match for this traditional tale. Music for the Tanzanian tune used in the story and a glossary of Swahili words are provided.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| October, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-395-82909-7$$15.00
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Donna Perrone.
Salome rescues a stranded crocodile, who then threatens to eat her. However, with a pigeon's help, she tricks her way out of his clutches. In a note describing his "cross-cultural theme," Mollel places his tale in contemporary Tanzania and includes words and music for Salome's song. Though some of the illustrations are awkward, they feature vibrant colors and an appropriately wicked crocodile.