John Kilaka - whose True Friends was the winner of the Bologna Ragazzi New Horizons Award in 2005 - returns with another folktale from Tanzania, this time from the traditions of his own Fipa people. When a terrible drought strikes the land, and the only remaining source of food cannot be dislodged from the tree on which it is growing, the animals are in despair. Then Rabbit suggests that a messenger be sent to wise Tortoise, asking for advise. The other animals agree to this course of action, but decide that Rabbit herself is too small for the job...

Bright, colorful illustrations, with stylized animal characters that fairly leap off the page, accompany this engaging tale, making The Amazing Tree as attractive a volume as its predecessor. The moral of the story - that everyone is important, whether big or small - is especially appropriate in a children's book! I'd recommend this one to young readers (and the adults who buy their books) with an interest in African folklore, or anyone who likes bold artwork.… (more)

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AbigailAdams26 | 2 other reviews | Apr 19, 2013 |

True Friends: A Tale from Tanzania by John Kilaka

This appealing retelling of an animal fable from Tanzania, with its engaging narrative and gorgeous, stylized illustrations, was the winner of the Bologna Ragazzi New Horizons Award in 2005. Established to highlight achievements in the field of children's literature from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the New Horizons Award promotes new and innovative voices and artists, and John Kilaka certainly qualifies!

A tale of friendship, betrayed trust, repentance, and finally reconciliation, True Friends follows the story of Rat, an industrious individual who also happens to be the only animal capable of making fire, and his friend Elephant, a rather lazy fellow who decides to steal Rat's food supply, when times becomes tough. The resolution of this tale, without violence or undue harshness, teaches an important moral lesson: that the wrong-doer's greatest punishment is the loss of his peace of mind. Well worth the time of any reader who enjoys animal folktales, or appreciates colorful art. I know I will be looking for more of Kilaka's work!… (more)

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AbigailAdams26 | 4 other reviews | Apr 19, 2013 |

The Amazing Tree by John Kilaka

The Amazing Tree is about a tree with many fruits on it but all the animals down below cant reach them. They send the biggest animals to get the answer to this tree. The wise turtle says to just call the tree by name but when he tells them, they all forget. Finally the smallest rabbit goes to the turtle, remembers the name, and everyone eats and is happy.

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dwall011 | 2 other reviews | Apr 10, 2013 |

True Friends: A Tale from Tanzania by John Kilaka

This book is a book about trust and friendship. This would be a good book to read to students the first week of school. It is important to have trust in a friendship in order to continue to stay friends. Very enjoyable story!

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Bethany1221 | 4 other reviews | Oct 9, 2012 |

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