Review
Reviewed Book:
Reviewed Book:
A tale from the Democratic Republic of Congo of how the Hippopotamus lost their fur and started living in water to keep their skin cool and moist.
Written by Jean Mbonyi and illustrated by Jean Fullalove, this is a story that follows a friendship between a Hippopotamus and Fire. In the story, the two were friends and one day Hippo asked Fire to pay him a visit. After hesitating, fire agreed on visiting Hippo. On his way to Hippo’s house, Fire lit up the entire village including hippo’s house and hippo himself.
To save himself, Hippo ran to the river and dived inside the water. That is why today the Hippo will be found in spaces where there is an abundance of water.
African folktale is of importance in passing certain teachings from one generation to another. It is important to start archiving these stories in books (as done with this book). The story becomes preserved and also made modern through the illustrations. Images have the potential to make the story more interesting and appealing.
In the book the images are beautifully drawn and look lively, almost manipulating to have a feel of texture. The words are packed well on white background. The sentences are short and precise even to non-xhosa speaking people.
In 11 pages, the book captures a story is an appealing form.
