Customer Reviews

Moja Means One: Swahil Counting Book

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a lovely little book by a couple who have lived and taught in East Africa. They obviously loved the experience because they were inspired to produce this Caldecott winner.

Though the book was written with African-American children in mind, I believe all children can benefit from reading it. Each number is accompanied by a two-page grayscale drawing. The lack of color may be a problem for younger readers. My 3 year-old son, for example, was not interested in a second read-through. My 5 year-old daughter however was intrigued by how African culture (grantedly of the late 1960's) was different from our own. The counting was not of particular interest to us but all of the other aspects of non-urban African life were.

Pictures depicted are snowy Kilimanjaro, a children's game called Mankala, coffee trees, mothers carrying their babies on their backs (which we now do in the US), savanna animals, styles of dress, Nile river fish, busy market stalls, musicians and their instruments, and, at last, a storyteller entrancing young listeners.

My only complaint is that there is not more to this book: more beautiful drawings; and more explanations of the activities that are depicted. Still a nice book for children who seek an introduction to the broader world.

Muriel and Tom Feelings have put together a book which counts from 1-10 in Swahili, but also through the rich illustrations introduces us to the culture of Africa. The book contains an introduction which explains the languages spoken and some informative details about the area. The book gives you the pronunication codes for the words. I was impressed by this seemingly simple book which is packed with sights and sounds of East Africa.

This children's book teaches the numbers one through ten in Swahili as well as various aspects of east African culture. Children will enjoy learning to count a new way. And, the illustrations by Tom Feelings are great. The book was a 1972 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a children's book.

The book is more of an infomational piece than a story book. It shows you how to count from one to ten in the Swahili Language. Besides each number is a fact pertaining to the East African culture. The illustrations are beautiful and very artistic. A bow to Mr. Feelings for such artistry. In the introduction of the book is a brief information piece on Africa and the Swahili language. A must for African American children reading.

Being a Swahili speaker, I was looking for something for some Swahili speaking children in Tanzania whom I am sponsoring. This beautiful little book is exactly what I was looking for. The illustrations are so exceptional and sensitive, and the sense of East Africa is just right. Highly recommended for children of all cultures, but a particular treat for the Swahili speaking children who may be lucky enough to get a copy.

Along with its companion book, this is a wonderful children's book (but I love it too.) It not only teaches Swahili numbers, but a bit of east African culture too

MOJA MEANS ONE not only teaches people how to count to ten in Swahili, but it also is filled with information about East African culture. The illustrations are pleasing to the eye and add to the effect of the counting. For example, on the pages for tano (five) their is a brief description of the animals found in Africa and there are five animals in the picture. This is a good book to read not only to children, but is also good for anyone who is interested in learning about foreign languages and cultures.

I bought this and Jambo means Hello for my nanny who is from Kenya and expecting her first child. She loved them, and I have to say they are beautiful books. It's great to be able to open our children up to different cultures while they learn.

We use this book to familiarize our child with Swahili. Its a good reference tool. Thus while teaching her we a learning also.

She enjoys the book, this is based on her touching the pages and her intelligent attempt to sound out words. We count moja to kumi while waiting for the milk warmer to finish. We also read the book in completion. Based on my experience with my child pattern it is best to do we her stomach is somewhat full or she has had her first changing and milk.

i have reviewed this book. It appears to be the book that it appeared to be. It is the book I ordered and it is used.