Chinye: A West African Folk Tale - Hardcover

Onyefulu, Obi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670851159 ISBN 13: 9780670851157

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers, 1994

Synopsis

Poor Chinye braves the perils of the dark forest as she fetches and carries for her cruel stepmother and lazy stepsister, but unbeknownst to her, strange powers are watching over her, in a lively Cinderella tale from the Igbo people of Nigeria.

About this title

About the Author

Ifeoma Onyefulu was brought up in a traditional village in Eastern Nigeria. After completing a business management course, she trained as a photographer, contributing to a number of magazines. Ifeoma's highly acclaimed children's books are renowned for countering negative images of Africa by celebrating its traditional village life. Her work has been admired at many exhibitions. A is for Africa, her first book, was chosen as one of Child Education's Best Information Books and Junior Education's Best Books. She has twice won the Children's Africana Book Award: Best Book for Young Children in the USA for Here Comes Our Bride! in 2005 and Ikenna Goes to Nigeria in 2008. Ifeoma lives in London.Evie Safarewicz trained as a ceramic designer before becoming a freelance illustrator. She is a visiting lecturer at Canterbury College of Art and Design, where she teaches plant drawing. She is also an enthusiastic traveller, taking a particular interest in the peoples and landscapes of Africa.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-A retelling of a West African folktale. The heroine is Cinderella-like Chinye, who must labor day in and day out for her mean, conniving stepmother and her spoiled, lazy stepsister. One night she is sent into the dangerous forest for water, and her kindness and obedience lead her to great riches. The greedy stepmother then sends her daughter off to find the same treasure. Of course, the girl is unworthy of the task, and she and her mother lose everything. In the end, they leave the village. Chinye, in contrast, shares her new-found wealth with others and becomes a beloved and valuable citizen. This cautionary tale speaks of one's responsibility to the community, as well as of such values as obedience and humility. The watercolor paintings are full of drama and motion. Lush, sweeping foliage; intricately patterned cloth and pottery; and stirring facial expressions make the setting and characters come to life. A wonderful tale, beautifully told and illustrated.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0670851159
• ISBN 13: 9780670851157
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32