Product Description

"Primarily a Swahili counting book, Moja Means One is also meant to be a gift of heritage, a glimpse of what is unique about East Africa."--School Library Journal. Full color.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72119 in Books
• Published on: 1992-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780140546620
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Customer Reviews

Moja Means One - a review
This is a lovely little book by a couple who have lived and taught in East Africa. They obviously loved the experience because they were inspired to produce this Caldecott winner.

Though the book was written with African-American children in mind, I believe all children can benefit from reading it. Each number is accompanied by a two-page grayscale drawing. The lack of color may be a problem for younger readers. My 3 year-old son, for example, was not interested in a second read-through. My 5 year-old daughter however was intrigued by how African culture (grantedly of the late 1960's) was different from our own. The counting was not of particular interest to us but all of the other aspects of non-urban African life were.

Pictures depicted are snowy Kilimanjaro, a children's game called Mankala, coffee trees, mothers carrying their babies on their backs (which we now do in the US), savanna animals, styles of dress, Nile river fish, busy market stalls, musicians and their instruments, and, at last, a storyteller entrancing young listeners.

My only complaint is that there is not more to this book: more beautiful drawings; and more explanations of the activities that are depicted. Still a nice book for children who seek an introduction to the broader world.

Not just counting but a cultural experience
Muriel and Tom Feelings have put together a book which counts from 1-10 in Swahili, but also through the rich illustrations introduces us to the culture of Africa. The book contains an introduction which explains the languages spoken and some informative details about the area. The book gives you the pronunication codes for the words. I was impressed by this seemingly simple book which is packed with sights and sounds of East Africa.

Moja Means One
The book is more of an infomational piece than a story book. It shows you how to count from one to ten in the Swahili Language. Besides each number is a fact pertaining to the East African culture. The illustrations are beautiful and very artistic. A bow to Mr. Feelings for such artistry. In the introduction of the book is a brief information piece on Africa and the Swahili language. A must for African American children reading.