A Children's Africana Book Awards Best Book 2016
All kinds of animals are featured in these ten sparkling stories from all over Africa, by an award-winning author and illustrator. Find out what happens to Lion when he challenges Elephant and discovers who is the real king of the savannah; laugh along with Tortoise as he bewitches the animals in Tiger's work-party with his irresistible music; find out why Hippo has no hair, how Elephant got his trunk, and why Cockerel crows. Then read about the woman who had a mouse-child! The stories are drawn from the rich folklore of Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and are perfectly matched by Piet Grobler's wonderful illustrations.
About the Author: BEVERLEY NAIDOO was born in South Africa. Her first book,  Journey to Jo'burg, was written in exile in Britain where it won The Other Award. It opened a window onto children's struggles under apartheid. In South Africa it was banned until 1991, the year after Nelson Mandela was released from jail. After 26 years Beverley could return freely to research in the country. No Turning Back and Out of Bounds followed. In her stories for older children, her characters from different backgrounds face tense conflicts and choices. The Other Side of Truth won her the Carnegie Medal, the first time in 64 years for a novel of African origin. Her books for younger children include The Great Tug of War,  S is for South Africa (Children's Africana Honor Book, USA) and a re-telling of Aesop's Fables (Parents' Choice Silver Award, USA; USBBY Outstanding International Book) and Who is King?
To visit Beverley Naidoo's website click here
Piet Grobler grew up on a farm in Limpopo, South Africa. After working as a church minister, he made a career in illustration and now lectures at the University of Worcester. He is the recipient of many international illustration awards, including the IBBY Honours List. His books for Frances Lincoln include The Great Tug of War (9781845070557),  Aesop's Fables (9781847800077) and Who Is King? (9781847805140) with Beverley Naidoo,  Fussy Freya (9781845075118) with Katharine Quarmby,  The Magic Bojabi Tree with Dianne Hofmeyr (9781847805867) and All the Wild Wonders (9781847806260) and A is Amazing (9781847805133) with Wendy Cooling.
