Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Clarion Books (1999), Edition: First Edition, 32 pages
Description
An adaptation of a folktale from southern Africa, in which a magical bird helps a kind young girl get back her people's stolen cattle from Makucha the monster.
Local notes
School Library Journal, 03/31/1999
Gr 3-6-This complicated tale is adapted from a traditional story from southern Africa. When their cattle are stolen, Mariamu and her parents try to cultivate the land to grow food. They are thwarted by a magic bird that returns the cleared field back to its original state in order to protect her eggs. After many turns and twists in the plot, the girl saves her family by gaining the bird's trust. Together, they outwit the monster that had stolen the cattle and free the animals. The story is set in southern Tanzania, and Swahili is used throughout in songs and phrases. Although none of the words are translated in the text, the author provides a page of explanation about his use of the language, a pronunciation guide, and music, as well as brief notes about the origin of the story. "
Gr 3-6-This complicated tale is adapted from a traditional story from southern Africa. When their cattle are stolen, Mariamu and her parents try to cultivate the land to grow food. They are thwarted by a magic bird that returns the cleared field back to its original state in order to protect her eggs. After many turns and twists in the plot, the girl saves her family by gaining the bird's trust. Together, they outwit the monster that had stolen the cattle and free the animals. The story is set in southern Tanzania, and Swahili is used throughout in songs and phrases. Although none of the words are translated in the text, the author provides a page of explanation about his use of the language, a pronunciation guide, and music, as well as brief notes about the origin of the story. "