Sundiata: Lion King of Mali

This dramatic tale passed down through oral tradition for many years received a Caldecott medal when rewritten by David Wisniewski. It is the tale of a young crippled boy and his fight to recover. He not only fights his body but his family and the land he was born to lead. The true test is his character at the end and he shows the word that yes, it was always he that was meant to be king as foretold. This is a wonderful morality tale and particularly relevant for children with physical differences. I wish I had known about it when my son was younger and in constant physical therapy as well as being ridiculed by peers.

This magnificent epic tale from Mali, retold and illustrated with cut-paper by David W., embodies the spirit and culture of its people. The colorful illustrations depict life style, architecture, landscapes, and traditional clothes full of patterns. The art is also elegant and sophisticated like the empires of West Africa. Compositions are epic and dramatic like the story. The author made an extensive research at library of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and paid a lot of attention to diverse cultural aspects consulting specialists in the subject like an associate professor of African Art from Indiana State University.

Summary:
Sundiata is about a weak prince who was to be heir to an African throne after his father dies, but sibling rivalry won out.The stronger brother and his mother, the kings first wife, exiled Sundiata and his mother, the kings second wife,from the village in which they lived. When war came to the village Sundiata's brother and mother fled and it was up to Sundiata to save his fathers village.When he returned to the village he was now strong enough to fight and win back his father's village.

Reaction:
I like that the images were bold and colorful. I also like that the main characters starts off unable to walk or talk, but prevails in becoming a great leader as well as a good kindhearted person.

Extension:
1. Since there is a map at the show more beginning of the book the students can use their map reading skills to tell what is happening and where it is happening.
2.Student can pick out good and bad personality traits between the brothers. show less

This is good book to read to kids that are told they do not fit because of physical differences.

Beautifully illustrated and told.

In the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali.

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