Product Description

Stunning color photographs depict everyday life in Nigeria in this unusual ABC book by a talented African photographer. "An incisive, sophisticated view of her homeland's rich heritage."--Publishers Weekly.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #57024 in Books
• Published on: 1997-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780140562224
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

From Publishers Weekly
"This alphabet is based on my own favorite images of the Africa I know," writes Onyefulu, a member of the Igbo tribe who grew up in Nigeria and now lives in London. And though her penetrating photos were taken in her native country, she notes that the traditions and spirit she hopes to convey are common to "all the peoples of this vast, friendly, colorful continent." The beautifully composed color photos, arranged alphabetically by subject, feature objects or practices representing various facets of African customs and culture: "B is for the Beads a girl may wear on her head, ears or neck"; "R is for River. Africans believe many rivers are sacred." Emphasized throughout are individuals' affection and concern for one another ("E is the embrace we give our loved ones"; "K is for Kola nuts offered to guests to show warmth and friendship"; "S is for Shaking hands"). A talented photographer, Onyefulu affords her audience an incisive, sophisticated view of her homeland's rich heritage. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
A London-based photographer offers images of traditional life and culture in her Nigerian homeland. Sharp, sun-drenched photos filled with smiles and bright colors create an idealized impression of village life, with little evidence of poverty and only occasional, inadvertent, signs of modern influences--a child wearing a T-shirt, or oil lamps made from recycled milk tins. In an introduction and many of the brief captions, the author suggests that the drums, beads, mud huts, family structures, and other details she captures on film represent Africa in microcosm, a risky sort of reductionism. The diversity--and unities--of African culture are evoked more effectively for younger readers by Musgrove's Ashanti to Zulu (1976); the photos in Chiasson's African Journey (1987) provide a more multifaceted view of village life. Visually appealing, but simplistic. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
This compelling book will inspire and delight children who live the world over Junior Education This is one of the many books (Ifeoma) has written about the continent in which she grew up, accompanied by her own beautiful photographs... The photographs, together with her simple explanations, ensure that there is plenty to talk about. The Ultimate First Book Guide

Customer Reviews

A Fun Way to Learn the Alphabet!
This children's book offers an inviting glimpse into West African traditions. From "A is for Africa" to "I is for Indigo", the author Ifeoma Onyefulu uses important aspects of West African life to represent each letter of the alphabet. The book is appropriate for kids of all ages. My daughter is one year old, so I simplify the book by reading just the first sentence of each page, such as "V is for village". The text continues to describe that "V is for the village, where many people live together, sharing the same traditions and beliefs. The old people in the village teach the young ones the old customs, as they were once taught themselves." The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but very representative of West Africa. Every child interested in Africa should have this book! I am looking forward to reading Ifeoma Onyefulu's other children's books.

We are different-We are the same - a review of "A is for Africa"
As a mom of two I like to supply a variety of books for my children and I like this one as it has proven it's usefulness on a couple of levels.

First, it can be used as an alphabet book; and second it can be used as apart of an Africa social studies unit.

I particularly like that the pictures are upbeat and cheerful, all the while portraying a world that is very much unlike our own.

And what do the children think? They like pouring over the pictures and wondering what kind of candies are on the table under the umbrella of the market trader. ;-)


Three and a Half Stars. At these prices I think you might want to take a look at this book if you are looking for a super simple book on Africa. [And there's always the library.]

A iIs for Africa
A is for Africa. I saw this book and thought that it would be great for my kindergarten classes in art. I was disappointed that upon receiving this book I discovered that all the photos were cut out. I didn't buy the book new but I have bought other used books for all different kinds of places and have never gotten a book with the photos cut out. Something told me to count the actual pages and count the ones cut out. There were more pages missing and as a result I couldn't use the book. I contacted Hippo which Amazon and redirected me to and when I contacted Hippo, I couldn't get a response out of them. I contacted Amazon and they got a refund for me quickly. I still don't have a fully functioning book called A Is for Africa. I would recommend that one either buy the book new or try a different resource to get it.