First come the zebra

Title:

Author:

Summary:

When two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, first meet, they are hostile toward each other based on traditional rivalries, but after they suddenly have to work together to save a baby in danger, the boys begin to discover what they have in common.

Edition:

1st ed.

Physical Description:

1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill., map ; 25 cm.

Genre:

Picture books.

Subject Term:

Maasai (African people) -- Juvenile fiction.

Kikuyu (African people) -- Juvenile fiction.

Cooperativeness -- Juvenile fiction.

Geographic Term:

Kenya -- Juvenile fiction.

Publisher:

Lee & Low Books,

Publication Date:

2009

ISBN:

9781600603655

Publication Information:

New York : Lee & Low Books, c2009.

Call Number:

P BARASCH

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607002584293	Picture Books	BARASCH	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

When Abaani, a Maasai boy, takes his family's cattle out to graze, he is suprised to see a Kikuyu boy, Haki, tending a new fruit and vegetable stall alongside the road. Aware of the traditional conflict between the Maasai and the Kikuyu, the boys take an immediate dislike to each other. A short while later, as customers surround Haki's stall, a dangerous situation arises - and as the boys act together to confront the danger, they also take the first step in overcoming their differences and becoming friends.

Reviews (1)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 2-5-In Kenya, the Maasai are cattle herders and the more numerous Kikuyu are farmers. The two groups often fight about land use. This story uses that age-old conflict as a vehicle for contemplating enmity and friendship. When Abaani, a Maasai boy, sees young Haki's Kikuyu vegetable stall near his family's grazing land, he repeats what he's heard from his elders: "You destroy our land!" Haki, of course, takes offense, and the boys are ready to become enemies. However, they see one another's good qualities when circumstances force them together to rescue a straying toddler. Repeated exposure and a few good games of mancala finally bring about a mutual trust, and they take a real step toward peace when they decide to trade veggies for milk, and to introduce their families. A framing metaphor about the harmony between zebra, wildebeests, and the Thomson's gazelle gently reinforces the lesson. Heartfelt storytelling and strong research combine to offer a universal message with a unique setting. The clear, light-filled illustrations are expressive and create a sense of place. A lovely, hopeful story that manages to convey its message with minimal didacticism.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.