Overview
Riddles, myths, history, traditions, and an ancient sound of West Africa are the inspiration behind this book. Published in cooperation with Project WET (Water Education for Teachers).
A boy embarks on a quest to bring back the sound of rain to his West African village. Includes a discussion of how rainsticks are used today and instructions for making a rainstick.
Synopsis
Riddles, myths, history, traditions, and an ancient sound of West Africa are the inspiration behind this book. Published in cooperation with Project WET (Water Education for Teachers).
Children's Literature
In this story from West Africa, the village storyteller inspires the chief's son to begin a quest for rain to end the recent drought. In traveling from the dry savanna to the rain forest he must solve the riddle, "a slender staff touches earth and sky at the same time," in order to bring rain back to his home. The deep earth tones of the illustrations convey the rich culture of these peoples. Included are directions to make a rainstick and extensive bibliography.