Kofi and His Magic [Turtleback]

Maya Angelou (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2002

With full-color photographs. Now in paperback, My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me is the enchanting story of an eight-year-old girl named Thandi, her village, her mischievous brother, her best friend--a chicken--and the remarkable mural art that is produced by the Ndebele women. With over seventy photographs of the reclusive Ndebele women and their breathtaking paintings, My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me documents the passing of traditions from parent to child while introducing young readers to a new culture through a new friend. "Angelou's prose, like the art, is unlike what you've seen before" (Chicago Tribune). "Poet Angelou's impish narrative and Margaret Courtney-Clarke's ravishing photos create an entrancing vision...." (Entertainment Weekly). To be published simultaneously with Kofi and His Magic, a new hardcover collaborative effort by Angelou and Courtney-Clarke.  


From the Hardcover edition.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?A young Ashanti boy invites readers to visit his West African village, famous for fine kente cloth, and to share his "magic"?a masterful imagination. Artistic typesetting composition is accompanied by appealing color photos that bring the lyrical text into sharp focus. Kofi is an engaging scamp whose vivid "daydreams" that transport him to other places will speak to children everywhere and present them with a clear vision of his beloved West African world. Kofi's joy in his life is reflected in both text and pictorial content and will be an eye-opener to more materialistic children in technically developed environments. A winner.?Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-9. As in the poet and photographer's My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me (1995), this second picture-book collaboration about Africa has great photographs but a disappointing text. The narrator is Kofi, a seven-year-old West African boy who uses "magic" to move from his hometown to a jitney, then to a place "up north. Kofi, whose magic comes from closing his eyes and opening his mind, is an engaging tour guide, but the lack of specifics about the setting is perplexing. What country does Kofi live in? What language does he speak? And the story line about magic is a flop. However, if you want to know what West Africa looks like, take a look at the vibrantly striking photographs. You'll see a bustling marketplace, powerful men and women decorated in their richest gold, and people of all ages wearing colorful kente cloth. Although there isn't much of a story here, this is a positive and realistic visual portrait. Julie Corsaro --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback
• Publisher: Demco Media (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606283021
• ISBN-13: 978-0606283021
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Maya Angelou has been waitress, singer, actress, dancer, activist, filmmaker, writer and mother. As well as her autobiography she has written several volumes of poetry, including 'On the Pulse of the Morning' for the inauguration of President Clinton. She now has a life-time appointment as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical children's book, April 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Kofi and His Magic (Hardcover)

This book provides readers of all ages with a wonderful look into the life of Kofi, a "magician" from Bonwire. The children I have shared it with love it, and Kofi's magic serves as a reminder for all of us of the power of imagination. The photographs are rich, and the text is soothing. Look no further for a book that will put you in the mood to daydream.

5.0 out of 5 stars Maya Angelou is a genius, January 12, 2011

By 

Lisa Terhune Finney (MEMPHIS, TN, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kofi and His Magic (Hardcover)

This story is precious, especially if you love Africa. Beautiful color pictures and very informative about African culture, but a really good story as well. Kofi is a young kente cloth weaver who uses his magic (imagination) to go wherever he wants. AWESOME story for all ages!

5.0 out of 5 stars Close Your Eyes and Open Your Mind - As you read this book!, March 8, 2007

By 

Huntsville Mobile Notary (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kofi and His Magic (Paperback)

This is an excellent book to read to children at bedtime or during storytime at school or church. It's a short, easy read and it's full of excellent information about the history and culture of Western Africa. Don't be fooled by the title. This book has nothing to do with black magic; and everything to do with using ones own imagination. The storyline is rooted in reality as the main character enjoys his "travels" to other places; however he always wants to return home to the people he loves. The beautiful photographs in this book make it a great coffee table book as well. I encourage you to introduce the children in your family or neighborhood to Kofi and His Magic.