King of Another Country - Softcover

Fiona French

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192723197 ISBN 13: 9780192723192

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1997

Synopsis

In an African village lived a young drummer called Ojo. He never helped anybody. He always said `no', and never said `yes'. This is the story of what happened when Ojo met a fierce creature in the forest, of how he became king of another country, and of how he found a strange carved door. Should he open it? Should he say `yes'? Or should he say `no'? This book is intended for interest age: 5+

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Oversized, uncommonly dynamic illustrations spark an otherwise slight and disjointed story about a selfish young man named Ojo, who refuses anyone who asks for help. When bid to become king of another (magical) country, Ojo finally says "yes"--one too many times, in fact, and so he is returned to his village, a changed man. The straightforward, active text ("Ojo chose a wife. She was as beautiful as the dawn") enhances the book's storytelling quality, but misses out on dramatic opportunities. For example, the use of a familiar fairytale device proves disappointing--when Ojo's wife opens a disallowed door, the consequences are singularly unexciting. French's elaborate art has the stylized, dancing energy of Gerald McDermott's work; the pictures' rich patterns suggest African fabric designs, sometimes utilizing several contrasting motifs and ornate borders. Each successive spread seems increasingly imposing, and even the brilliant endpapers sing with rhythm and color. Characters in statuesque poses and theatrical attitudes glide across these pages with the sureness and grace of a finely rehearsed pageant. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-- Ojo, who lives in an African village, always says, "No" when his neighbors ask for his help. When a spirit who is King of the Forest offers to make the selfish young man a king if he can learn to say, "Yes," he becomes the ruler of a blessed magical kingdom. His positive approach is all that is required for the realm's prosperity and happiness. He is warned by the village elders that he must never look behind the carved door, but when his beautiful wife suggests they open the door, Ojo agrees. The face of the King of the Forest is revealed and the couple is banished back into the real world. By now, however, Ojo has learned that there are times to say yes and times to say no. He is a more considerate and helpful neighbor and he and his wife live happily. This original moral tale has a short, simple text. French's brilliantly colored and patterned double-page illustrations are enjoyable. Because of its size, the accessibility of the story, and the vivid paintings, the book will be useful for story hour programs. --Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0192723197
• ISBN 13: 9780192723192
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32