East African Folktales

By Vincent Muli wa Kituku

Book Overview

As a child in his native Kenya, Dr. Vincent Muli wa Kituku learned many stories from his mother. She told him stories as she cooked, as she washed, and as she harvested corn. Now, Dr. Kituku presents eighteen of those folktales in both English and Kikamba, the language of Kituku's East African culture. Comments following each story develop the story's themes and moral direction. The stories, together with the author's comments, provide an excellent foundation for discussion with children in any environment.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874834899
• ISBN13: 9780874834895
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: August House Publishers
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Aesop's fables for the nineties

Dr. Kituku has created a work of deep understanding for adults and children. The lessons he illustrates are enjoyable on their surface and deep in their meaning. Whether it is the wit of the hare, the wisdom within "The old man and the boy," or the lessons on humility, greed and laziness, the learning is both traditional and current. This is a work to be read aloud, to your children and to yourself. As Dr. Kituku learned his lessons from the elders of his family in Africa, our children can learn from us, and us from them. Buy it, read it, read it again and share it with the children.

This book has many hidden treasures to uncover.

This entertaining and insightful book brings home truth and experience to all who read it. As children read these stories their imaginations takes off to the untamed land of Africa. Deep in the jungle where they have traveled many jewels are uncovered. The children lock them deep in their hearts and journey back to their homes. They come back with wisdom that can not be bought for any price but can only appear after an experience of one's soul.The wisdom that comes from this book will help children navigate through this difficult land we call America. The course has been set by many. They need to have all the skills in hand to make it a sucessful journey through drugs, sex, violence, and many more obstacles the culture has put in front of our precious children.As parents and leaders we must take every opportunity available to help our children through life. I believe that Dr. Kituku's insightful stories can help us achieve this goal.Remember, that it takes a village to raise a child!