M. H. Tredgold (1910–2012)

Part of the Four Tales of Africa series put out by Baobab Books, a publisher based in Harare - the other three include Why the Bush Fowl Calls at Sunrise, The Riders and the Baobab Tree and The Hare In the Moon - this Zimbabwean folktale from Margaret Tredgold follows the story of three young children whose father, determined to protect them from danger, while he is out hunting, builds a house for them at the top of a mighty baobab tree. Instructed only to let down the ladder when their Baba appears, and sings a special song - "Kithengee, Kithengee, / Throw the ladder to me / And your supper you'll see" - the children are safe for a time, until a local witch, determined to gain them for her own, consults her n'anga (a traditional healer amongst the Shona people), and, disguising her voice, tricks them into lowering the ladder for her. Taken to the witch's settlement by the river, the children are now prisoners - can their father (with the help of his own n'anga) get them back...?

A fascinating folktale, with motifs that can also be found in other traditions - I was reminded of Rapunzel, with the dwelling in a high place, and the lowering of a ladder, as well as Hansel and Gretel (mentioned on the back cover), with the children being captive to the witch - The Baobab Children is a sweet little book. I only wish that the three companion volumes were available for purchase, but I had enough trouble getting a copy of this! Tredgold's artwork, done in black and white, with red accents, is cute enough, but the real draw here (for me) is the story itself (I'd love to learn more about n'angas!), and the fact that this is a book that children in Zimbabwe might pick up. I don't think I've ever encountered another book from that country! Recommended - if you can find it! - to young folklore enthusiasts, and to anyone searching for Zimbabwean children's books.… (más)