Sincere and generous, orphan Tshai finds a perfect orange in this folktale from Ethiopia, and sets out to give it to the Nigus, or king. Tempted along her way by Ato Jib, the Lord Hyena, she instead carries on, presenting her gift at court and humbly refusing all rewards. Sent home with riches despite this, she passes Ato Jib again, who imagines that he too will be given great wealth, if he presents a gift to the Nigus. But in the end, what that wise ruler is rewarding is the spirit of the gift, rather than its substance...

The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia is the second collaboration between American author Frank P. Araujo and Chinese illustrator Xiao Jun Li, after their Nekane, the Lamiña & the Bear: A Tale of the Basque Pyrenees, and it pairs an engaging story and lovely artwork. I appreciated the central theme of the tale here—that it is giver's intention that is paramount, rather than the gift itself—and I found the accompanying watercolor artwork beautiful. As someone with an interest in Ethiopia and its language and culture, I also appreciated the inclusion of the brief note and glossary of Amharic terms at the rear. I haven't run across many picture-book presentations of traditional Ethiopian tales, so I am glad to have discovered this one, in the folklore section at my public library. I will definitely try to track down the other title from this author/illustrator team. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to readers looking for children's books with an Ethiopian setting. ( )

This is a traditional tale that has been handed down through generations in the Horn of Africa. There are versions from Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia. This is the version that currently circulates in Ethiopia.

Beautifully illustrated with watercolors, the book tells the story of a humble orphan girl named Tshai who finds the perfect orange and decides to take it as a gift to her ruler. She is mocked by a wealthy Lord on her way to the palace for taking a gift to the ruler that is not precious or valuable. When she presents the gift to the ruler, she is offered gifts in return of jewels and golds but she kindly declines the gift and heads back to her village. After she leaves, the ruler sends a member of his staff after her with a donkey with saddlebags filled with jewels and gold for her. When he catches up with her, he places her on the donkey and sends her on her way.

When she shows the Lord the valuable gifts she was given by the king, he gathers the deed to his land and gathers his herd of cattle to offer as a gift to the ruler in hopes that he would receive something even more valuable. Read this book to find out what the king offers him in exchange for his valuables.

A young orphan finds a perfect orange and brings it as a gift to the king of Ethiopia, who rewards her for her kindness, honesty, and generosity. A nicely illustrated tale. ( )

A humble girl named Tshai finds the most beautiful, perfect orange and decides to give it to King Nigus. On her way, Ato Jib, a hyena, makes fun of her for giving the king such a simple gift. However, the king loves it and gives Tshai donkeys, gold and jewels in return. When Ato Jib sees this, he decides to offer the King all his land and cattle and see what it gets him. When he makes his offer, the King gives Ato Jib the orange in return. This story would be great to use to start a discussion about modesty. ( )