Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book

by Muriel L. Feelings, Tom Feelings, Muriel Feelings

Book Overview

A Caldecott Honor Book Moja Means One introduces children to counting in Swahili with helpful pronunciation keys, while presenting East African culture and lifestyles through an easy-to-understand narrative and vivid illustrations. "Magnificient, full-page drawings throb with the feeling of East African life."--Child Study Association Look for the Caldecott Honor Book and companion title: Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140546626
• ISBN13: 9780140546620
• Release Date: August 1992
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 10.3" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 3 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Kindergarten

Customer Reviews

An Enchanting Book

Being a Swahili speaker, I was looking for something for some Swahili speaking children in Tanzania whom I am sponsoring. This beautiful little book is exactly what I was looking for. The illustrations are so exceptional and sensitive, and the sense of East Africa is just right. Highly recommended for children of all cultures, but a particular treat for the Swahili speaking children who may be lucky enough to get a copy.

Counting in Swahili is Cool

Along with its companion book, this is a wonderful children's book (but I love it too.) It not only teaches Swahili numbers, but a bit of east African culture too

Moja Means One - a review

This is a lovely little book by a couple who have lived and taught in East Africa. They obviously loved the experience because they were inspired to produce this Caldecott winner. Though the book was written with African-American children in mind, I believe all children can benefit from reading it. Each number is accompanied by a two-page grayscale drawing. The lack of color may be a problem for younger readers. My 3 year-old son, for example, was not interested in a second read-through. My 5 year-old daughter however was intrigued by how African culture (grantedly of the late 1960's) was different from our own. The counting was not of particular interest to us but all of the other aspects of non-urban African life were. Pictures depicted are snowy Kilimanjaro, a children's game called Mankala, coffee trees, mothers carrying their babies on their backs (which we now do in the US), savanna animals, styles of dress, Nile river fish, busy market stalls, musicians and their instruments, and, at last, a storyteller entrancing young listeners. My only complaint is that there is not more to this book: more beautiful drawings; and more explanations of the activities that are depicted. Still a nice book for children who seek an introduction to the broader world.

Counting to Ten in a Different Language.

MOJA MEANS ONE not only teaches people how to count to ten in Swahili, but it also is filled with information about East African culture. The illustrations are pleasing to the eye and add to the effect of the counting. For example, on the pages for tano (five) their is a brief description of the animals found in Africa and there are five animals in the picture. This is a good book to read not only to children, but is also good for anyone who is interested in learning about foreign languages and cultures.

Not just counting but a cultural experience

Muriel and Tom Feelings have put together a book which counts from 1-10 in Swahili, but also through the rich illustrations introduces us to the culture of Africa. The book contains an introduction which explains the languages spoken and some informative details about the area. The book gives you the pronunication codes for the words. I was impressed by this seemingly simple book which is packed with sights and sounds of East Africa.