Zomo the Rabbit

I really enjoyed this traditional West African folktale. I really enjoyed the illustrations and how they displayed West African culture. My favorite picture in the book is when Zomo is talking to Sky God. The illustration shows vivid patterns and colors. The two characters wear headpieces and clothes that reflect West African clothing. Even the scenery has beautiful authentic patterns. I also enjoyed the plot of the story. The plot was very simple but had interesting ways of resolving the conflict. For example, Zomo was able to retrieve one of his “impossible tasks”, getting Big Fish’s scales, by using his drum to trick Big Fish into dancing his scales off. “Big fish danced so fast that his scales fell off. Big Fish was naked... show more Quickly, Zomo scooped up the fish scales in his hat and hopped into the forest.” The main idea of this story is that tricking people for your benefit creates enemies. show less

The illustrations are larger than life in this text and filled with vibrant, eye-catching colors. Zomo the rabbit desires wisdom and he must go on an impossible journey to get it, putting himself in harm's way. The moral of the story is to accept yourself as you are. Young children will enjoy the large pictures and the adventurous tale. I would read this book as a read aloud to kindergarten or first grade students. This text can be used to discuss culture, art, and literary terms.

I chose this fairy tale as I was familiar with most classic European fairytales I have come across. Upon finishing I believe this was a well written and distinctively different fairy tale then we are used to in Europe and the United States. This story holds many elements of traditional African story telling which I think are a great addition to the classic collections many of us are used to. Would recommend reading to either your own children or students as there are some great lessons!

Zomo is a rabbit that lives in West Africa. Although, he is not like other rabbits, he is a trickster. His ultimate goal is find wisdom in his life. He must complete three tasks before the Sky God will give him the wish that he wants. He must trick Big Fish, Wild Cow and Leopard. He achieves this goal, but leaves them very angry. The wisdom that this Sky God then tells him is that he has to run fast to escape the wrath of those three that her tricked. This story really would be ideal for first grade through the fourth grade. It teaches them that every action that happens usually has a consequence, whether that be a good one or a bad one. Overall, I really loved reading this book because it even got me thinking about the things that I do show more in my life and how those will have a consequence even if I do not see it yet. show less

I liked this book for a few reasons. One reason was because of its illustrations. All of the illustrations were big and colorful to keep the readers engaged in reading the story. The colors are also those of African American culture. For example, Zomo the Rabbit has a shirt on that are the colors yellow, green, and red, which are colors of African American culture. These colors are seen throughout the entire book as well. I also like how this book was written. For example, in the beginning of the book it starts by, “Zomo the rabbit! He is not big, he is not strong, but he is very, very clever”. I liked this because it leaves the reader wondering why he is so clever, and it is also foreshadow of what’s going to happen later in the show more book. The big idea of this story is what goes around comes around. For example, even though Zomo did exactly what was asked of him, he angered some other animals in the process, and now he must be careful and watch his back. show less

This trickster tale from West Africa is a good read. I enjoyed reading this story to my students and my students enjoyed listening. The illustrations are spectacular. The story is humorous and easy to read.

This is a trickster tale about a rabbit named Zomo who is on a quest for wisdom. The sky god told him that if he were to complete 3 impossible tasks he would grant Zomo wisdom. He made some enemies in his quest and learned to be cautious and run fast.

I love trickster tales and this one inparticular struck my fancy. I love the mischevious characters in these stories and how the ending is leaves the character with what he is seeking but in a way that teaches him/her a lesson.

I could use this book in the classroom to give some insight into African culture. The pictures are beautiful and portray African artwork really well with the geometric patterns. I could have the students create finger puppets for all the characters in the book and show more use them to retell the story to their parents at home and right a reflection over how it went. show less