Chinye: A West African Folk Tale (Viking Kestrel picture books) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Long ago there lived a girl called Chinye..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-A retelling of a West African folktale. The heroine is Cinderella-like Chinye, who must labor day in and day out for her mean, conniving stepmother and her spoiled, lazy stepsister. One night she is sent into the dangerous forest for water, and her kindness and obedience lead her to great riches. The greedy stepmother then sends her daughter off to find the same treasure. Of course, the girl is unworthy of the task, and she and her mother lose everything. In the end, they leave the village. Chinye, in contrast, shares her new-found wealth with others and becomes a beloved and valuable citizen. This cautionary tale speaks of one's responsibility to the community, as well as of such values as obedience and humility. The watercolor paintings are full of drama and motion. Lush, sweeping foliage; intricately patterned cloth and pottery; and stirring facial expressions make the setting and characters come to life. A wonderful tale, beautifully told and illustrated.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A thin version of a relatively familiar tale. Orphaned Chinye comes back from a dangerous errand with a magic gourd that proves to be filled with riches. Her spoiled stepsister Adanma sets out to fetch another, but in her arrogance gets one containing a destructive wind. This differs from other renditions in that Chinye isn't rewarded for any virtue (she simply complains to an old woman, who takes pity on her), while the telling is so cursory that readers will be uninvolved. Safarewicz dresses her figures in elaborately patterned traditional costumes that stand out brightly against jungles painted in large, sweeping strokes--visual drama that the text never matches. The tale gets richer treatment in San Souci's Talking Eggs (1989). (Folklore/Picture book. 6-8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (May 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670851159
• ISBN-13: 978-0670851157
• Product Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,048,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old-fashioned folk tale with lush colors and great lesson, March 2, 2004

By	Nilda L. Garces "Puppet Lady" (Bronx, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Chinye: A West African Folk Tale (Paperback)

As a storyteller for children libraries and schools I found this book to be beautifully illustrated and a great source for speaking of responsibility to children, in an entertaining manner. It is also a good source for teaching children about other cultures and customs. Many cultures have their own versions of "Cinderella" and comparing them could be a form of discussion with the children after telling this tale.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable tale!, February 5, 2006

By	Dana H. Pasterjak "Dana" (Palm Coast, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Chinye: A West African Folk Tale (Paperback)

My third grade class really enjoyed this wonderfully illustrated and excitingly told folk tale. Many times I will read part of the story before lunch and then we will come back and complete the story. I like to stop at a cliff hanger moment and then complete a story later in the day...it helps peak their curiousities and gain a love of reading.

Well, my students were quite into this story and a boy who normally could care a less about stories and reading exclaimed, "Don't you DARE stop, Mrs. P. You better read us the whole book now!" I recommend reading it on a stormy day as I did and dimming the lights. This beautifully well-written West African "Cinderella" folk tale and the lush and colorful pictures will excite and delight young folks. I love it as well and have read it to my class for the past two years.

It is a good companion with other folk tales, Ananse stories from Africa and other versions of the Cinderella tale.