With the title taken from the Kiswahili word for ``long ago,'' this uninspired collection features African folktales from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zululand. An import, its very modest production values may not appeal to US readers accustomed to more lavish bookmaking. Some of the tales echo familiar motifs while others will be original to most readers. But Nevin attenuates his retellings, and his language lacks vitality despite touches of authenticity. Each tale is preceded by a ``Keeper's Introduction'' and ends with a moral or rumination that is called, variably, ``Storykeeper,'' ``The Storykeeper,'' or ``The Storykeeper's Note.'' The illustrations, by ten different African artists, vary widely in skill and style, from rankly amateur to polished but ineffective. (bibliography) (Folklore. 10-14)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1996
ISBN: 9-966-88429-7
Page Count: 74
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1995
This admiring portrait hangs on the theme of freedom: both word and idea recur frequently, not only in chapter headings and picture captions but throughout the text, from terms like ``freedom fighter'' to a comparison between Mandela and our Founding Fathers. Feinberg describes South Africa's history plus Nelson Mandela's life, struggles, imprisonment, and release (and also Winnie Mandela's courageous career) in general terms; recent books such as Denenberg's biography (p. 106/C-18) cover the ground in greater detail but are aimed at older readers. Small b&w photos capture Mandela's presence and dignity. Chronology through June 1990; no bibliography or index. (Biography. 10-13)
Pub Date: May 10, 1991
ISBN: 0-7910-1569-6
Page Count: 76
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1991
In the ``Environmental Issues'' series, this overview of the science, technology, and politics of hunger suffers from an excess of definitions and from muddy thinking. Spencer defines ``biotechnology,'' for example, as ``Changing plant and animal genetic structure by scientific methods,'' stating that the basic principles have been known for thousands of years: ``Noah used them to make wine from grapes to celebrate the landing of the ark on dry ground.'' How does fermentation alter the genetic structure of grapes? The author indicates that ``governments must either find ways to slow down population growth or to increase the food supply. They cannot do both'' (why not?), but gives little information on either and concludes that ``the U.N., since its membership includes all nations, large and small, rich and poor, can deal on a global basis with global problems.'' He celebrates the 1990 U.N. conference that encouraged people to ``light a candle for the future of children everywhere.'' Candles are no more nourishing than platitudes. Glossary; further reading; organizations for further information; index. Photos not seen. (Nonfiction. 10-12)*justify no*
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-89490-283-0
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Enslow
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1991
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