The Hunterman and the Crocodile: A West African Folktale [Hardcover]

Baba Wagué Diakité (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

A hunterman and a crocodile take turns being captive and captor in a humorous folktale that teaches the importance of living in harmony with nature and is illustrated with ceramic-tile paintings.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stunning primitivist paintings make a graceful transition from the ceramic tiles on which they originally appeared to this memorable debut book by an artist and storyteller born and raised in West Africa. Featuring bold, black-and-white animal characters set against earth-toned backgrounds and framed by patterned borders, the paintings give a distinctive spin to this folktale about a contest of wits between a hunter and a crocodile. Donso agrees to return Bamba and family to their river home if the crocodile clan promises not to bite him. Yet once there, the crafty creatures decide they're too hungry to let the hunter go. One by one, animal passers-by refuse to rescue Donso, explaining how Man has exploited their species, taking much from them and giving back nothing. A clever compromise brings the narrative to a satisfying close. With its many animal voices, occasional onomatopoeia and clearly delivered message about the importance of respecting nature, this is a natural choice for a read-aloud, likely to entertain as it teaches. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?A delightful West African version of a well-known folktale motif. After traveling across land on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Bamba the Crocodile and his family need the help of a hunter to return to the river. Bamba has promised not to bite, but once they are halfway across the river the crocodile traps the hunter's hand between his jaws. Only through a clever bargain and the wise words of the many creatures who stop to fault the hunter for his treatment of them does he escape and in the process learns the necessity of cooperating and living in harmony with others. Diakite writes with the smooth classic voice of a traditional storyteller. Painted on ceramic tiles, the full-page illustrations consist of stylized black figures on a pastel blue and orange background. The tale flows easily and beautifully through both the crisp text and exciting pictures. The author's note includes sources for other versions of this story. A lively, readable folktale that deserves a place on library shelves.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; First Edition edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590898280
• ISBN-13: 978-0590898287
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,519,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > African

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I could give more than 5 stars......, September 9, 2004

By 

Nostalgic mama "Tooki" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hunterman and the Crocodile: A West African Folktale (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful African tale of a crocodile family and a hunterman. The story allows for children to really evaluate the way that man treats other beings and it teaches a lesson, of humility, graciousness, love and irony. Alot for a little book, huh? I love it and my son loves it!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book in the whole world. I love it!!!, January 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hunterman and the Crocodile: A West African Folktale (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful children's book. I love it!! We need more authentic authors and illustrators of folk tales from Africa. Where did these drawings come from? They're FABULOUS!!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I read the book in my classroom then saw it come to life!, June 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hunterman and the Crocodile: A West African Folktale (Hardcover)

I loved this book! One day an author named Baba Wague Diakite came to our school to talk about his book "The Hunterman and the Crocodile." Each classroom got a copy of the book which I read. Soon I discovered that the story was going to be performed as part of the first school play of the year! Even though my class wasn't in it I got to meet Baba-Wague while working on the set since he lives right down the street from my school! And though I had to see it performed four times( because I was asked to do sound) I never got tired of hearing the same same story. I guess seeing "The Hunterman and the Crocodile" come to life gave the meaning of the story even more meaning. I would reccomend this book to anyone of any age.