East African Folktales (World Storytelling from August House) [Paperback]

Vincent Muli Wa Kituku (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2005 | Grade Level: P and up | Series: World Storytelling from August House

As a child in his native Kenya, Dr. Vincent Muli wa Kituku learned many stories from his mother. She told him stories as she cooked, as she washed, and as she harvested corn. Now, Dr. Kituku presents eighteen of those folktales in both English and Kikamba, the language of Kituku's East African culture. Comments following each story develop the story's themes and moral direction. The stories, together with the author's comments, provide an excellent foundation for discussion with children in any environment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up. A bilingual collection of 18 folktales in English/Kikamba from Kituku's native land, the Kamba Community, Kenya. The reteller/translator is correct when he states in the preface that these short fables, an assortment of human and animal tales, have lost some beauty and flavor in their English retellings. Recognizing that some of the morals have been lost in translation, Kituku includes a brief explanation for each tale and related Kamba customs and traditions when applicable. A few stories retain the humor and obvious moral of the originals. "Monkey and the Shark" is a variant of the Jataka tale, "The Monkey and the Crocodile"; "The Hare and the Hyena" is a trickster tale that rivals an African hare/rabbit trickster tale and America's Brer Rabbit. The pen-and-ink washed illustrations complement the simplicity of the text. African motifs help to emphasize the East African origin of these tales and the storyteller. The usefulness of the Kikamba text is questionable, but in a country with so much diversity there may be ways to use this bilingual collection. Add it if more fables are needed.?Marie Wright, University Library, Indianapolis, IN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Eighteen folk stories derived from Kituku's Kenyan childhood are presented in both English and in the Kikamba language, creating a unique bilingual experience of short stories imbedded with East African culture. This is an excellent collection which promises to reach to adult audiences as much as to children. -- Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: August House (December 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874834899
• ISBN-13: 978-0874834895
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #336,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > African
  • #8 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > African
  • #73 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Anthologies

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aesop's fables for the nineties, May 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: East African Folktales (World Storytelling from August House) (Paperback)

Dr. Kituku has created a work of deep understanding for adults and children. The lessons he illustrates are enjoyable on their surface and deep in their meaning. Whether it is the wit of the hare, the wisdom within "The old man and the boy," or the lessons on humility, greed and laziness, the learning is both traditional and current. This is a work to be read aloud, to your children and to yourself. As Dr. Kituku learned his lessons from the elders of his family in Africa, our children can learn from us, and us from them. Buy it, read it, read it again and share it with the children.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has many hidden treasures to uncover., May 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: East African Folktales (World Storytelling from August House) (Paperback)

This entertaining and insightful book brings home truth and experience to all who read it. As children read these stories their imaginations takes off to the untamed land of Africa. Deep in the jungle where they have traveled many jewels are uncovered. The children lock them deep in their hearts and journey back to their homes. They come back with wisdom that can not be bought for any price but can only appear after an experience of one's soul.

The wisdom that comes from this book will help children navigate through this difficult land we call America. The course has been set by many. They need to have all the skills in hand to make it a sucessful journey through drugs, sex, violence, and many more obstacles the culture has put in front of our precious children.

As parents and leaders we must take every opportunity available to help our children through life. I believe that Dr. Kituku's insightful stories can help us achieve this goal.

Remember, that it takes a village to raise a child!