Subira

by Tololwa M. Mollel

Book Overview

When Tatu finds she can do nothing to improve her little brother's hateful behavior and make him happy again, she goes to an old spirit woman for help. The spirit woman tells Tatu that to cure... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039591809X
• ISBN13: 9780395918098
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.0" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

"Your courage and patience will guide you."

Retelling an ancient Tanzanian folktale, the author skillfully blends magic with a contemporary setting. When Tatu's little brother begins acting out, throwing stones, biting and refusing to behave, the older girl is at a loss. It is only when an elderly spirit woman, Ma Mzuka, relates the cure (three whiskers from a lion), that Tatu realizes what she must do, although she is terribly frightened. Armed with only a song, Tatu sets out to perform what seems an impossible task, to save her little brother from his terrible state. Despite recently losing her mother and the brother who will not behave, Tatu faces the horrible old woman, confronts her fears and a fearsome lion with a song, snatching the whiskers from the sleeping beast, who is lulled by her music. Through this ordeal, Tatu learns an important life lesson. Borne on the notes of a song, Tatu's brother is gradually seduced by music, patience and love. The vivid illustrations bring forth the tumultuous emotions of two children who have lost their mother and must find their way together, Tatu guiding her younger sibling with patience and their mother's lullabies. As lush as the brilliant images, the text marries perfectly to illustrator Linda Saport's artwork, the whole an impressive tale of loss and love, couched in folklore and the rich history of music. This is a stunning, evocative piece of children's literature. Luan Gaines/2007.

Terrific

Tololwa Mollel has shared the inner growth of a child through her story and the art of Linda Saport. This story is one way to share with children that they can do anything if they have a willingness to learn from their experiences. Subira Subira is a book that needs to be read many times by both adults and children. Thank you for a book that can only inspire self-growth.