on September 23, 2014
Format: Paperback
I ordered this book for some children, dear to my heart, who have a West African heritage. Once it arrived I ordered another for myself. The illustrations are outstandingly beautiful and inspirational as is the story of Sundiata, the sickly boy who grows to be a powerful king. Unfortunately the beauty of the colours can't be seen in the cover as shown on the Amazon shop front. The picture appears to have been misted over in some strange way.
I googled the artist/writer David Wisniewski and was extremely sorry to discover that he died in 2002. On the evidence of 'Sundiata' he was amazingly talented and I wish he was still here to produce more books. Luckily I found that other books created by him were still available, so have ordered those as well!
The West African griot culture is an important part of the story of Sundiata. Griots were and remain the keepers of wisdom at the centre of an oral tradition. David Wisniewski creates wonderful pictures of the king's court and of a griot, Sundiata's teacher, from whom he is to learn 'the history of your ancestors and the laws of this life.' We also see pictures of the West African harp-lute, the kora, the musical instrument most associated with these teachers at the present time.
Myths, legends and fairy tales often contain the greatest wisdom. I especially enjoyed the scene where, encouraged by his griot teacher, the child Sundiata finally learns to stand up. The beginning of the making of a Lion King. This book would be an interesting present for any child, but especially, of course, for those who live in or have ties with West Africa.
I googled the artist/writer David Wisniewski and was extremely sorry to discover that he died in 2002. On the evidence of 'Sundiata' he was amazingly talented and I wish he was still here to produce more books. Luckily I found that other books created by him were still available, so have ordered those as well!
The West African griot culture is an important part of the story of Sundiata. Griots were and remain the keepers of wisdom at the centre of an oral tradition. David Wisniewski creates wonderful pictures of the king's court and of a griot, Sundiata's teacher, from whom he is to learn 'the history of your ancestors and the laws of this life.' We also see pictures of the West African harp-lute, the kora, the musical instrument most associated with these teachers at the present time.
Myths, legends and fairy tales often contain the greatest wisdom. I especially enjoyed the scene where, encouraged by his griot teacher, the child Sundiata finally learns to stand up. The beginning of the making of a Lion King. This book would be an interesting present for any child, but especially, of course, for those who live in or have ties with West Africa.
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