GOLLO AND THE LION

by Eric Oyono ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1995

In this retelling of a tale from Cameroon, Gollo and his sister Kaye live happily together until they are stalked by a hungry lion. When the lion devours Kaye and runs away, Gollo enlists the aid of a soothsayer to help him find the lion and get his sister back. With a magic gourd he dries up all the water from the land, forcing the animals to come to him for relief--and that's only the first half of the story. Though longer and more involved than other folktales, Oyono's story uses structural complexity to its advantage. Its improvisational quality make it a natural read-aloud; listeners will feel as if the storyteller is inventing each episode. The paintings--vivid brushstrokes of expansive scenes--show a thorough knowledge of West Africa and its inhabitants. Both newcomers to children's books, Oyono and Corvaisier make an admirable team, combining humor and drama into a diverting lesson on the perilous place humans have in nature.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1995

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Hyperion

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1995

Categories: CHILDREN'S