This story comes from the Fipa tribe of southwest Tanzania. A drought in Africa leaves the animals, who are just learning to live together, starving. They come to a huge tree abundant with ripe fruits, enough to feed them all, and shake it mightily, but no fruit will fall. It is decided that someone should ask the wise tortoise for advice, but who should go? Little rabbit volunteers but is only laughed at because she is so small. All the animals from the largest on down are given a chance to visit tortoise and return with the magic words that will make the food fall but none can remember them on the trip back to the tree. When only rabbit is left to save the day, will she be able to?
A story with wonderful colorful illustrations, this folktale will win the hearts of younger readers, especially the smallest in the family.
Date read: 7/1/2010
ISBN-10: 0735822549
ISBN-13: 9780735822542
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