First edition of The Song of Six Birds by Rene Deetlefs. Set in South Africa, a girl's mother gives her a flute that she fills with birdsong.
Written by Rene Deetlefs. Illustrated by Lyn Gilbert. 1999, first American edition, first printing. Dutton Children's Books.
Rene Deetlefs is a South African author of more than 20 children's books. Her collaboration with South African artist Lyn Gilbert resulted in a charming story of an African girl who fills a new flute with birdsong.
"Lindiwe lay on her grass mat, sleepily aware of the music of morning as it stole into her ears: cattle lowed, buckets clanked, goats bleated.
"Lindiwe yawned, then blinked her eyes. Next to her, on the smooth, cool floor, lay an African flute, just like the ones in the wayside store!"
Lindiwe's mother had given her the flute - for "the child who loves music" - but the girl is disappointed to find that it's empty of music. So she sets out to fill it with the songs of six birds: a crowned crane, a hornbill, a rainbird, a hoopoe, a paradise flycatcher, and a wood owl. Lindiwe hurries home, playing her flute, now full of music, and the birdsong brings the villagers out to dance.
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Condition*: Near Fine/Very Good. Dust jacket: Moisture stain visible inside the jacket, in the folds of the front and back flaps; minor shelf wear, inc slight ruffling along top edge.
*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
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