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book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon. Winner of the 1977 Caldecott Medal for illustration in children’s literature.
Margaret Musgrove was born and raised in Connecticut, but she has lived and studied in Ghana. She supplemented her own experience with extensive research to write this children’s book which explains some of the customs and traditions of various African tribal peoples. In this work she examines 26 different tribes, across the African continent, from Ashanti to Zulu.
Leo and Diane Dillon’s illustrations are simple magnificent. In each portrait they not only illustrate the customs about which Musgrove writes, but they give a glimpse of more of the culture of that tribe. Most illustrations include a man, a woman, a child, a typical dwelling, some cultural artifact, and an animal indigenous to that tribe’s area of Africa. I found myself examining the many details of the pictures. As a bonus the front and back cover are two illustrations which are not contained within.
Margaret Musgrove was born and raised in Connecticut, but she has lived and studied in Ghana. She supplemented her own experience with extensive research to write this children’s book which explains some of the customs and traditions of various African tribal peoples. In this work she examines 26 different tribes, across the African continent, from Ashanti to Zulu.
Leo and Diane Dillon’s illustrations are simple magnificent. In each portrait they not only illustrate the customs about which Musgrove writes, but they give a glimpse of more of the culture of that tribe. Most illustrations include a man, a woman, a child, a typical dwelling, some cultural artifact, and an animal indigenous to that tribe’s area of Africa. I found myself examining the many details of the pictures. As a bonus the front and back cover are two illustrations which are not contained within.
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
5.0
An important reminder that "African Culture" can mean damn-near anything. A to Z, this book looks at 26 different ethnic groups within Africa, along with their different beliefs, artworks, legends, clothing, and culinary creations. This book would actually be a great stepping-off point for a project on the different cultures portrayed. Give each child one of the letters, and have them find out some more details. It will help greatly with showing your kids that "African" is as general a term as "fish." There's so many types!
Leo and Diane Dillon continue their pattern of artistic excellence in this book, as well. While their styles may not always mesh with the art style of the cultures, they give a lot of life and dignity to each group, making each feel distinct, which is the entire point of the book.
While this may not appear in every household, it should certainly be in every school and public library. Definitely give this a try.
Leo and Diane Dillon continue their pattern of artistic excellence in this book, as well. While their styles may not always mesh with the art style of the cultures, they give a lot of life and dignity to each group, making each feel distinct, which is the entire point of the book.
While this may not appear in every household, it should certainly be in every school and public library. Definitely give this a try.
sducharme's review against another edition
4.0
This unique picture book is an excellent way to open a study of the African continent and its people. It gives us a view to many different tribes and their customs, by matching them to an alphabet letter: Ashanti, Zulu, and 24 in between. Line drawn watercolor illustrations accompany each description and add depth.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Caldecott Winner 1977
The text and illustrations are very detailed and well researched. It is great to see the wide variety of culture in Africa.
The text and illustrations are very detailed and well researched. It is great to see the wide variety of culture in Africa.
mariahroze's review against another edition
4.0
This is an ABC book of African culture. This book is for higher students and I read a different letter everyday to my students. This book talked about different tribes and communities and shared in only a paragraph, a major tradition that they do. This opened up discussion with my students on similarities and differences between the US and different African Cultures and more specifically how different African cultures can be.
a_manning11's review against another edition
4.0
Each tradition is accompanied by a detailed illustration depicting traditional settings, clothing and other distinctive features of the tribe mentioned. The descriptions are very interesting.
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1977.
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1977.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Caldecott Award winning picture book. Definitely not your typical Caldecott. This is a straight up non-fiction A-Z dictionary of African people. Obviously it wouldn't be detailed enough for any academic effort, but as a taste of the subject it's pretty good. With art quite good enough to distinguish one group from the next.