Off to the Sweet Shores of Africa: And Other Talking Drum Rhymes

By Uzo Unobagha

Book Overview

In the spirit of Mother Goose, Off to the Sweet Shores of Africa and Other Talking Drum Rhymes is a colorful collection of original, African inspired rhymes. Fun to read aloud, these playful rhymes conjure West African village life. As in classic nursery rhymes, the verses are inhabited by charming characters who impart simple wisdom or evoke pure silliness, making this collection not only distinctively African, but wonderfully universal. Exquisitely detailed illustrations by Julia Cairns, an engaging author's note and glossary make this an enchanting collection from Africa's sweet shores to ours.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811823784
• ISBN13: 9780811823784
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 12 years and under
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

"When the lions come to play, little boys stay away."

This marvelous, colorful collection of children's rhymes celebrates "talking drums" of West Africa, of great significance in that culture, as "criers" beat messages from village to village, the rhythmic beats speaking to the villagers along the way. Influenced by a rich heritage and the clever humor of Mother Goose rhymes, the rhymes blend storytelling with a distinct cultural identity, creating a "simple rhythmic language" for young children and beginning readers, a learning process of language and rhythm: "Off to the sweet shores of Africa, Off, with my harp and harmonica, I'll follow the walking, talking drum To the land, where sunbirds hum." The language of these rhymes is African: cowrie shells, akara balls, palm, papaya, coral and mango trees and African places from the Sahara to Zambezi. Reinforced by the theme of African mores and traditions, the rhymes inform and entertain, exploring the culture, rich ancestral history and pride in African descent: "Race the striped zebra across the plains, Race the striped zebra over the lanes, Hip! For the zebra! Hip! For me! Hurray! For the happy and free!" The stunning illustrations that complement the rhymes are arresting, images of the African countryside, the indigenous people, animals, fauna and flora, the scorching ball of yellow sun, straw-hatted huts, the colorful garments of children at play, velvet deep nights, myriad stars twinkling above the sleeping village: "What is the pale moon made of? What is the pale moon made of? Of cowrie shells and ivory Dipped in the shimmering, silvery sea And tossed up like a rubber ball To be gazed upon by all." Family, tradition, the nurturing of children; the author has written beautiful phrases of place and childhood, accompanied by truly inspirational illustrations. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

A cultural anthology of Africa for children of all races

This book is a cultural anthology of the African world for children as young as two years old. But the book really is set for older children and young adults. Besides the normal introduction to numbers and animal recognition, this is actually a work on music, poetry, and life interwoven with man, animals and their natural environment. Therefore, a good read for people of all races. The illustrations and colors beautifully project the imagery as it challenges the young mind to seek deeper meaning to what is presented. African adults reading this book will see it as a memory down their own childhood. I doubt though if it is different for other cultures. As a parent, a peek in this book was a trill, and I continue to enjoy reading it with my little girl. If you are looking for an illustrated book to teach your children the interdependencies of life, this will be it.

A cultural anthology of Africa for children of all races

This book is a cultural anthology of the African world for children as young as two years old. But the book really is set for older children and young adults. Besides the normal introduction to numbers and animal recognition, this is actually a work on music, poetry, and life interwoven with man, animals and their natural environment. Therefore, a good read for peoples of all races. The illustrations and colors beautifully project the imagery as it challenges the young mind to seek deeper meaning to what is presented. African adults reading this book will see it as a memory down their own childhood. I doubt though if it is different for other cultures. As a parent, a peek in this book was a trill, and I continue to enjoy reading it with my little girl. If you are looking for an illustrated book to teach your children the interdependencies of life, this will be one of it.

Treat for the eyes

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that I have ever seen! Every page is filled with bright colors and cheerful prose and images. It is a perfect book for the age group intended, but it is also a wonderful treat for an adult. The images are so delightful that I can look at them over and over again. I especially like the colorful borders found on many of the pages. This is the kind of book that you will want to keep forever - even when the children "outgrow" it. I highly recommend this book.