Product Description

A Tale from Ethiopia. In this inspiring and gentle folktale set in ancient Ethiopia, a generous young girl, Tshai [tsuh-HIGH], travels far from her village to take an extraordinary gift the Ethiopia's ruler, the great Nigus [NI-goose]. On the way, Tshai meets a greedy scoundrel, Ato Jib, who deviously plots to increase his riches. However, the great Nigus is wise: Ato Jib is foiled; and Tshai is rewarded liberally. Tshai returns to her village and, true to her nature, joyously shares her unexpected fortune with her neighbors. Includes glossry of Ethiopian terms. Beautifully detailed watercolor illustrations by internationally acclaimed artist Xiao Jun Li capture the essence of ancient Ethiopia. The Perfect Orange is based on a folktale Frank Araujo heard while working in Ethiopia. Toucan Tales, Volume 2.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #111968 in Books
• Published on: 1994-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The author and illustrator of Nekane, the Lami?a & the Bear present the second volume in the Toucan Tales series of international folktales. Discovering a perfect orange in her Ethiopian mountain village, Tshai travels to the city to tender her prize to the great Nigus. When the girl passes the house of the Lord Hyena, the jeering animal scorns her silly gift. But the ruler himself is so moved that he tries to reward Tshai with riches. When she refuses, Nigus orders his Royal Chamberlain to follow her and give her a donkey whose saddle bags are filled with gold and jewels. The greedy hyena hastens to offer Nigus his bountiful lands and cattle. In return, the wise Nigus bestows on the crafty hyena "our most prized possession": one perfect orange. Li's watercolors contrast the cocoa-brown hues of the countryside and buildings with the stark white robes and brilliantly colored accessories of traditional Ethiopian dress; it's odd, however, that his Ethiopian characters have such pink skin. Araujo, who came across this tale while working in the Harare region of Ethiopia, spices up his retelling by incorporating Amharic words and phrases. Ages 3-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?In this gentle story from Ethiopia, an orphan girl presents the Nigus (king) with a perfect orange and refuses payment. She does accept a donkey, however, unaware that its saddlebags are full of gold and precious jewels. Ato Jib, the Lord Hyena, mocks the child's simple gift, but when he sees the richness of her reward, he hurries to the Nigus to present all his lands and cattle?and receives the perfect orange in return. Araujo's straightforward style is well suited to the simplicity of the story. Although the occasional inserted pronunciations can be distracting, they are certainly useful, as is the glossary. Li's delicate watercolors mesh well with the text. The earth-toned illustrations sweep across the pages, and are touched with brighter colors and intricate details. The human characters are a little stiff, but the hyena, muffled in his white robe, sparkles with mischief. An author's note identifies the oral source of the tale. A pleasant offering by the author and illustrator of Nekane, the Lamina, and the Bear (Rayve, 1993).?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Frank Araujo holds degrees in liguistics and anthropology from the University of California, and has more than twenty years experience and active field work as a cultural anthropologist in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. His interest in folklore and children's literature stems from his love of storytelling, and he is committed to creating stories that are fun to read and that accurately portray cultural diversity.

Customer Reviews

A beautiful portrail
This fable is common throughout Ethiopia, Eritrea and surrounding countries and the author choose this Ethiopian version to write.

The wonderful images along with simple beautiful text which includes some Ethiopian words is just lovely.

It tells the story of a orphan girl Tshai, her selfless gift to the countries ruler and the darstadly thinking of the wicked Jib. The telling is enhanced by the legend of Ethiopian pronounciations and all round is a lovely addition your library if like me you have an Ethiopian child in your home.