The Hunterman and the Crocodile: A West African Folktale

In my opinion, “The Hunterman and the Crocodile” is a spectacular multicultural book for children. The story is about a man and his relationship with the wild animals of Africa. This story is written and illustrated by Babe Wague Diakite, a man who grew up in Africa. In the back of the book, he explains that stories are what kept him and his friends entertained in Africa. He explains that they did not have many things to do or play with; therefore, storytelling became a form of entertainment. He also explains, “Our stories are much more than just entertainment. They give us encouragement and good morals. They educate us about our environment and the relationship between man and nature. They are basic to education in Africa.” The show more plot of this story is very unique and suspenseful. The story is about a man who runs into a group of crocodiles. The crocodiles ask for help to get to a river, and they promise to not eat the man. However, once they get into the water, they ask the man why they should not eat him. The man asks other animals to defend him, but they cannot. For example, the cow says, “Man does not respect others. Look at me. I spent my life providing milk and giving up my children to Man. Now that I am old, Man gives me no consideration.” The book goes on to show other animals that do not defend the man. The bunny helps the man by tricking the crocodiles. However, the man’s wife gets ill, and he needs the crocodiles’ tears to save her. He collects their tears and sets them free. The eye-catching illustrations incorporate an interesting art technique. The illustrations are constructed on a special type of black paper, and the images are constructed by scraping off a layer of the black paper to leave white marks. These white marks form the animals, people, and smaller details of the illustrations. This story pushes readers to broaden their perspectives in realizing that mankind should not treat other animals as inferior; we should respect all living things and all nature. The big idea is to teach children to respect all living things. show less

The theme of this wonderful tale is that man must live in harmony with nature and its many animals. It follows the story of a hunter, a crocodile, a cow, a horse, a chicken, and baobab tree, and a rabbit, and how each comes to appreciate the others’ value.

The bold and vibrant illustrations of this book are all found on the even pages, that is, on the right of the text page. I find this to be sturdy and balanced. Each illustration looks to be made from a rich and colorful oil paint, and each is framed by an intricately patterned border in black and white. The paintings tend to use the same colors, namely forest green, tangerine orange, canary yellow, blue, black and white.

I think the illustrations enhance the tale very much. It is a show more fine story with a noble lesson. However, it is an even better story with the accompaniment of the paintings, which were also done by the author. show less

In this African folktale, a hunterman stumbles upon a family of crocodiles. He finally agrees to help them get back to the river that have wandered from. However, the sneaky crocodiles have another plan. They convince the hunterman to go deep into the river and plan to eat him. The animals that pass him give multiple reasons for not coming to his aid. When the clever rabbit finally saves him from his fate, the hunterman takes the crocodiles back to his village. When he returns, he is told his wife is sick and needs tears from a crocodile, but they aren't any to be found. In this moment, and in the decisions to follow, the hunterman realizes the "importance of living in harmony with nature and the necessity of placing Man among- not show more above- all living things." show less

This book talks a great deal about the relationships between mankind and nature, a reminder to be conscious of your effect on the earth. There is a reference to Mecca and the pilgrimage for discussion on Islam. There are also lots of words from the author's language that should be looked up for pronunciation before being read aloud. The illustrations are done in traditional style and the story comes from a west African folk tale. Also, good discussion on morality when the crocodile goes back on his promise, when the animals refuse to help the man, and when the rabbit does help him. Tears as medicine would be another interesting topic. I would probably gear this book toward older students and use it for multicultural or interreligious show more discussion. show less

I love how this book can teach students about respect for one another, nature, working together, and treating others the way you want to be treated. I would absolutely read this to my class because I believe that it holds a powerful message especially to elementary school students.

“The Hunterman and the Crocodile” by Baba Wague Diakite was given the Coretta Scott Illustrator Honor in 1998. It is Diakite’s adaptation of a West African Folktale about a hunterman named Donso’s encounter with a family of exhausted crocodiles who agree not to eat him if he helps them get back to the river. Once they get to the river, the crocodiles tell Donso that they are hungry and want to eat him, despite their earlier agreement. Throughout the rest of the book Donso asks numerous other animals to help him convince the crocodiles to leave him be, but they all refuse due to the way mankind has taken advantage of them. The story ends with an unexpected turn of events and a lesson to all readers to “plac[e] Man among — not show more above — living things.” The illustrations were painted on ceramic tile. The backgrounds are colorful, but the characters are mostly black with white outlines to where it looks almost like a cartoon version of traditional African sculptures. They have very little detail and little to no texture. This book would be a wonderful way to introduce African art culture to the classroom as well as a way to get children to think about the way they treat others. show less

This West African folktale poses many relevant questions regarding Man's position in the World, WIll the Hunterman learn? Even if familiar with this universal fable, the audience is certain to be surprised by this tale when transported to Africa by the nostalgical, traditional illustrations.