Sungura and Leopard: A Swahili Trickster Tale [Paperback]

Barbara Knutson (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

A small but clever hare and a fierce leopard agree to share a house, but as the hare's family grows, he realizes that he must find a way to get rid of his bad-tempered neighbor.

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

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this retelling of a Swahili trickster tale, a leopard and a hare named Sungura each discover the perfect place to build a house. Unknowingly, they build the same house, and both attribute the mysterious helping hand to their own generous ancestors. Discovering that both plan to live in the house, they divide the space until the wary hare devises a plan to get rid of the bad-tempered leopard. A second and final trick, which will require an explanation to younger readers, is played when leopard returns. More sophisticated than How The Guinea Fowl Got Its Spots , Knutson's rhythm, pacing and presence make this an excellent read-aloud selection. Scratchboard and watercolor renderings evoke traditional African design, while vivid earthy hues enhance the strong sense of place. An author's note preceding the tale explains the traditions of the trickster tale and of honoring ancestors in stories. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-This lively retelling of an African folktale features fierce, ornery Leopard, who unwittingly builds a house along with the trickster hare, Sungura. After a brief argument, the two agree to divide the residence in half. Sungura takes a wife and has many children, who disturb Leopard with their noise and activity. The hare rightly suspects his neighbor of plotting to eat him and his family, so he hatches a counterplan that ultimately succeeds in driving Leopard away. Knutson's colorful scratchy watercolors convey the animals' personalities and add greatly to the story's appeal. Particularly interesting are the illustrations that show the construction by the two creatures at different times; she relates in detail the process by which homes in that region are built. The writing is clear, readable, and expressive, and will be most effective when read aloud. The author offers an explanatory page describing the origins of the story and its cultural context. A valuable addition to any library collection, and a solid choice for story hours.
Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 26 pages
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (May 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822568012
• ISBN-13: 978-0822568018
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,929,292 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 Love a Great Trickster tale--and this is it!, August 13, 2007

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Nancy (West Coast FL) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Sungura and Leopard: A Swahili Trickster Tale (Library Binding)

Finally got this book, had been waiting for my little ones to get a tad older so they could really appreciate it! Loved it!! Very amusing, a very good read, excellent illustrations, just the right length too. Such a shame that this author has passed, she certainly had it all. I'll be purchasing the rest of her books shortly.