Obara the Gatekeeper [Hardcover]

Michelle Bodden (Author), kwenci Jones (Illustrator)

Book Description

Obara the Gatekeeper is a beautiful adaptation of a traditional story from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It tells the tale of Obara, a hard working man whose job it is to open and close the town gate when visitors come. Though he is a good man, he is bored with his job and envies his neighbors, thinking their lives are better. Over time, Obara's fortunes finally turn, and his dreams come true! And that's when things get really interesting... This is a wonderfully illustrated story with many important lessons, told in a friendly and gentle style. Each reading encourages discussion, because there are messages here about hard work, reward, envy and second chances. Don't pass up this marvelous book!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Obara the Gatekeeper is an adaptation of an apataki (a-pat-a-key), or sacred story, of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Apatakis are told to build character by using the lessons contained in the story. The twists and turns of the story are a refreshing change from many books that are predicatable ways to teach morals - with one dimensional characters that are all good or all evil. It is a delight from beginning to end.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Water Daughter Publishing LLC; 1st edition (December 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975308912
• ISBN-13: 978-0975308912
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,266,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Obara the Gatekeeper" Is a Real "Keeper"!, August 7, 2007

By 

Susan M. Heim - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Obara the Gatekeeper (Hardcover)

"Obara the Gatekeeper" is an adaptation of a sacred story, called an apataki, from the Yoruba religion in Africa. This children's story is set in Nigeria and tells the tale of a man named Obara, whose job was to open and close the gate into his walled town whenever anyone wanted to come in or go out. Naturally, it was quite a boring job, and Obara dreamed of greater things. Thanks to gifts of appreciation from grateful merchants who came through Obara's gate, he did become wealthy, quit his job and built the house of his dreams. But Obara soon found that his new life wasn't quite what he expected! This story teaches many timeless and universal lessons. As Obara says at the end of the book, "Next time, I will appreciate what I have." This adaptation by Michelle Bodden is gorgeously illustrated by Quentin "kwenci" Jones, and make the reader feel as if he or she has been dropped right into an African village. It is a beautiful book that both young and old will enjoy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Learning Tool for Young Hearts..., August 6, 2007

By 

K. Bruins - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Obara the Gatekeeper (Hardcover)

Obara the Gatekeeper is a wonderfully told story of how pride can blind one from being aware of what is going on around them...and how that can deeply effect their life. The illustrations in the book were excellent. I loved the vibrant colors and facial expressions...loved the little dog, too!

5.0 out of 5 stars Obara the Gatekeeper, August 3, 2007

By 

Yvonne Phillips FSII (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obara the Gatekeeper (Hardcover)

Michelle Bodden & Kwenci Jones have teamed up to give you a magnificent adaptation of a sacred story. This book will challenge you to pay attention in your life and watch what is happening around you each day. This book would be a great addition to anyone's library,young and old.