Children's literature or juvenile
literature includes stories, books, magazines, and poems that are created
for children. Modern children's literature is classified in two different ways:
genre or the intended age of the reader, from picture books for the very young
to young adult fiction.
Children's fiction is one of the
most important forms of writing – teaching children (and parents!) about
the world around them, cementing morals, and introducing them to new people and
ideas.
Here steps in the fables,
The fable definition in literature
is a brief, simplistic tale told to convey a moral, or lesson to the
reader about how to behave in the world. The characters in fables are often
animals, but sometimes they are also inanimate objects. Typically, the main
characters in fables are non-human.
With fables, we all remember AESOP’S
FABLES the one that sparks our minds with the thought of stories for children.
With concern to Indians, Panchatantra
is the definite pick and mostly the first taste of fable to children.
Alongside fables, stands folktales.
Folktales are a kind of story
that gets passed on from generation to generation. True folktales do not have a
single author. They develop as different people tell them over time. As such,
they are creations of “the folk,” or the people.
One such is An African folktale.
It is an anonymous, timeless story circulated orally among African people
and meant to hand down knowledge and wisdom from parent to child, typically
through tales by moonlight.
In many African folktales, Animals
have a significant role in nearly every story. The animals' habitats are also
important for teaching children about the environment, such as the rainy and
the dry season.
One such is the CLEVER HARE AND THE
WELL- an African folktale retold by Bekezela Broscius. Bekezela Broscius writes
picture books and middle grade novels. She was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She
holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. When she is not writing,
she enjoys reading and listening to music.
To learn more about Bekezela, you can visit her website at https://bekezelabroscius.com/
The book CLEVER HARE AND THE WELL
is a short and easy-to-read story for children. They will enjoy reading it till
the end. The illustration with apt colors will keep them hooked until the end.
The style of the font and the size are child-friendly and highly immersive.
The story revolves around a hare
and other four animals in an African forest. There exists a problem in their vicinity and the
way they deal with it with their efforts is the overall story.
This is told in a nice narrative
holding onto the subject with simple words and at the same time with a special
touch to each animal to highlight its personality.
The story encourages teamwork. By
working in a team, children can learn how to collaborate, share ideas, and
support one another, which are all valuable skills that they will need
throughout their lives. Collaboration has an importance in teamwork for kids,
and it involves working together to achieve a common goal.
Teaching kids responsibility is a
gift they will carry throughout their lives. It starts with chores at home.
Research shows that kids who participate in household chores from a young
age have better student success and success in careers and personal
relationships. Here the story steps up with this diligent task too.
Overall the book is worth reading
with lots of messages for children and others too. Apart from THE HARE AND THE
TORTOISE by Aesop, here is one hare which can be equally valued and remembered hereafter.
This book assures that books provide
an opportunity for children to learn and expand their understanding of the
world around them. Through books, parents can expose children to life lessons
that help them engage with other people, develop ideas, and build new skills.
The opportunity to reflect on the
book can help the child connect events and themes and develop a deeper
understanding of the story. As they think back, they often gain a different
perspective and pick up on things that they missed when they were reading it
initially.
Do Gift this book to your children
and watch them having a happy reading time.
(RECEIVED A KINDLE COPY OF THE BOOK FROM BOOKSIRENS IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW)
I love reading children's books and where animals are the protagonists, moreover I haven't read much of African literature. This does sound like an interesting read to me as well, with all its lessons.
ReplyDeleteYes, you can give it a try.
DeleteThe child is still alive in me and now also being a toddler's mom I am in absolute love with kids book and also planning to publish my kids book soon. This book is something I will definitely love to read
ReplyDeleteHappy to know that you liked it
DeleteIts nice that these stories are coming to the fore! There is so much to learn through folklore...I am glad you wrote this post! Looking up for this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteI think Folktales are a repository of culture, it is good that they are being published in new avatars.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteI love children's stories and books. As a kid I used to devour them and even now as an adult I have a strange affinity to them. Will check this one and recommend it to the parents in my circle.
ReplyDeleteThat's nice.
Delete"The Clever Hare and the Well " has the right mix of fiction and fable to give it a timeless appeal.With some nice illustrations I feel even I would enjoy reading this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has nice illustrations. Give it a try.
DeleteYour review of the book that introduces the meaning of folklore as a background to the story depicted in the African culture is fascinating. Promoting teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation were social traits in all cultures once upon a time. Africa is still keeping up with that and the story. Thank you for introducing the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blog post.
DeleteYour review of "Clever Hare and the Well" beautifully captures the essence of the book and its importance in children's literature. I appreciate how you highlight the story's themes of resourcefulness, teamwork, and responsibility. Your thoughtful insights show how valuable this book is for teaching life lessons in an engaging way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteBekezela Broscius's retelling sounds both engaging and educational, with its emphasis on resourcefulness and teamwork. The positive portrayal of African folklore is a refreshing addition to children's literature, offering new perspectives and lessons.
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteI love reading children's books. There is a certain charm to them. Folktales not just retain and reinforce our culture but are also a window to the world of others.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteAs usual your post is so interesting and insightful. The way you described about folklore and how it impacts little children is praiseworthy. Will like to purchase this for my kids..
ReplyDeleteDefinitely your kids will have a good time reading it.
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