Tales From Africa (by Mary Medlicott)

Storytelling is alive and well on that continent of mystery and magic, Africa. These 12 tales are rich in the diversity of land, people, and style. Mary Medlicott, who has also edited The King With Dirty Feet, has compiled a thought-provoking and well-balanced look at the concerns and hopes of the ancient and emerging lands of the African continent.

As she says in her editor's note, when these stories are told, the listening is loud. One that really speaks out is "The Bittersweet Hunter and the Deer-woman," an offering from Nigeria in which love and kindness triumph over meanness, jealousy, and gossip. The illustrations, by African artist Ademola Akintola, capture the vibrant color and energy of diverse cultures. For the most part, though, they don't capture the abundant dramatic moments of the stories.