Customer Reviews

Chinye: A West African Folk Tale (Viking Kestrel picture books)

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As a storyteller for children libraries and schools I found this book to be beautifully illustrated and a great source for speaking of responsibility to children, in an entertaining manner. It is also a good source for teaching children about other cultures and customs. Many cultures have their own versions of "Cinderella" and comparing them could be a form of discussion with the children after telling this tale.

My third grade class really enjoyed this wonderfully illustrated and excitingly told folk tale. Many times I will read part of the story before lunch and then we will come back and complete the story. I like to stop at a cliff hanger moment and then complete a story later in the day...it helps peak their curiousities and gain a love of reading.

Well, my students were quite into this story and a boy who normally could care a less about stories and reading exclaimed, "Don't you DARE stop, Mrs. P. You better read us the whole book now!" I recommend reading it on a stormy day as I did and dimming the lights. This beautifully well-written West African "Cinderella" folk tale and the lush and colorful pictures will excite and delight young folks. I love it as well and have read it to my class for the past two years.

It is a good companion with other folk tales, Ananse stories from Africa and other versions of the Cinderella tale.