Inspiring gentle folktale set in Ancient Ethiopia. Breathtaking watercolors dramatize ancient Ethiopia s contrasting pastoral charm and majesty. Illustrations are rich with Ethiopian details. Fa This story reinforces values of generosity and selflessness over greed and self-centeredness. Glossary of Ethiopian terms and pronunciations. (Ages 4-13) Honored as: (1) Smithsonian Institute "Let s Read Selection" and (2) PBS-TV "Storytime Selection"
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The author and illustrator of Nekane, the Lami?a & the Bear present the second volume in the Toucan Tales series of international folktales. Discovering a perfect orange in her Ethiopian mountain village, Tshai travels to the city to tender her prize to the great Nigus. When the girl passes the house of the Lord Hyena, the jeering animal scorns her silly gift. But the ruler himself is so moved that he tries to reward Tshai with riches. When she refuses, Nigus orders his Royal Chamberlain to follow her and give her a donkey whose saddle bags are filled with gold and jewels. The greedy hyena hastens to offer Nigus his bountiful lands and cattle. In return, the wise Nigus bestows on the crafty hyena "our most prized possession": one perfect orange. Li's watercolors contrast the cocoa-brown hues of the countryside and buildings with the stark white robes and brilliantly colored accessories of traditional Ethiopian dress; it's odd, however, that his Ethiopian characters have such pink skin. Araujo, who came across this tale while working in the Harare region of Ethiopia, spices up his retelling by incorporating Amharic words and phrases. Ages 3-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?In this gentle story from Ethiopia, an orphan girl presents the Nigus (king) with a perfect orange and refuses payment. She does accept a donkey, however, unaware that its saddlebags are full of gold and precious jewels. Ato Jib, the Lord Hyena, mocks the child's simple gift, but when he sees the richness of her reward, he hurries to the Nigus to present all his lands and cattle?and receives the perfect orange in return. Araujo's straightforward style is well suited to the simplicity of the story. Although the occasional inserted pronunciations can be distracting, they are certainly useful, as is the glossary. Li's delicate watercolors mesh well with the text. The earth-toned illustrations sweep across the pages, and are touched with brighter colors and intricate details. The human characters are a little stiff, but the hyena, muffled in his white robe, sparkles with mischief. An author's note identifies the oral source of the tale. A pleasant offering by the author and illustrator of Nekane, the Lamina, and the Bear (Rayve, 1993).?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Frank P. Araujo was born Francis Victor Patrick Gove on May 8, i937. He graduated from Bakersfield College and holds degrees from UC, Berkeley (AB, MPH) and UC, Davis, (MA, MS, Ph.D.) The bulk of his professional career was spent as an international economic development anthropologist working in 3rd World developing nations with nomad societies. His major interests include the study of myth, folklore, language and cognition. His main activities besides writing fiction includes judo, fencing and cycling, along with playing the oboe, the tin whistle and the bagpipes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful portrail,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2) (Hardcover)
This fable is common throughout Ethiopia, Eritrea and surrounding countries and the author choose this Ethiopian version to write. The wonderful images along with simple beautiful text which includes some Ethiopian words is just lovely. It tells the story of a orphan girl Tshai, her selfless gift to the countries ruler and the darstadly thinking of the wicked Jib. The telling is enhanced by the legend of Ethiopian pronounciations and all round is a lovely addition your library if like me you have an Ethiopian child in your home.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very special and unusual book,
By Britta "Britta" (California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2) (Hardcover)
The above quoted "Publishers Weekly" nails the critique for this book. It is enchanting and the artwork is dazzling. It is great to be able to offer your child an exposure to tales from other parts of the world, even if otherwise you would not have any connection to Ethiopia. It's fun to look the country up in an atlas with your child. My 4 year-old likes this book a lot. You won't regret it. It's not your everyday fare.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect book for children and a good lesson for adults,
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This review is from: The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2) (Hardcover)
This book is a perfect illustration on what a pure gift a child is and how innocent a child's heart can be. It teaches a few good life lessons and also incorporates a small amount of language from Ethiopia. We bought this book to introduce Ethiopia into our family for our small children while we wait to adopt a child from Ethiopia. This book is a must have for any child regardless of color, it is just a simple yet valuable story.
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