Written by Verna Aardema. Illustrated by Dale Gottlieb. First edition, 1995. An Apple Soup Book, an imprint of Alfred A. Knopf.
Front flap -
"High in a plum tree, Mother Dove gently sings to her two fat babies, "Coo-wee-oo, Coo-wee-oo." But in the grasses below, a hungry jackal lurks - and scares poor Mother Dove into throwing the babies down. Is all Lost? Or can the clever blue crane who happens along rescue them? She has a plan, and all she needs is a few feathers, a little mimosa gum, and a very foolish jackal who wants to fly."
Moral of this South African folk tale: Even the biggest bully can be outsmarted.
Verna Aardema (1911 - 2000) was best known for her adaptations of African folktales. She studied journalism at Michigan State University and worked as a teacher and a librarian. She published her first book in 1960, Tales from the Story Hat, which introduced readers to the oral traditions of Africa. She went on to write more than 30 books, many of which received awards and honors, such as Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1976.
Award-winning artist Dale Gottlieb (1952 - ) creates rugs, paintings, and children's books that draw inspiration from literature, folklore, and history. Her 28 books include Seeing Eye Willie, Big Dog, Ask Babalouie, and Tulip Builds a Birdhouse.
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Condition: Near Fine/Very Good. Dust jacket: Light shelf wear. Illustrated cover boards. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.
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