LION AND THE OSTRICH CHICKS

by Ashley--Adapt. & Illus. Byran ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1986

Bryan presents us with another fine set of stories from African tradition, sure to be welcome in folk tale collections. Each of the four tales celebrates the ability of common sense to overcome brute force, and each represents a different African people: Masai (""Lion and the Ostrich Chicks""); Bushman (""The Son of the Wind""); Angola (""Jackal's Favorite Game""); and Hausa (""The Foolish Boy""). Three are animal trickster tales, while in the fourth a boy learns to be cautious when playing with superhuman forces. Heavy black-and-white drawings, with a few mustard and brick full-page illustrations, echo the lively style of West African printed textiles. The language of the original cultures can be felt in Bryan's retellings, as can his fondness for strong rhythms, which comes through even when the tales are read silently. Strong tales from black tradition presented in a way that will appeal to general American audiences.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S