The Singing Man: Adapted from a West African Folktale

by Angela Shelf Medearis

Book Overview

A couples youngest son is forced to leave his west African village because he chooses music over the more practical occupations of his brothers, but years later he returns to show the wisdom of his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823411036
• ISBN13: 9780823411030
• Release Date: September 1994
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

African Folktale

In a small village near the town of Lagos there were a man and a woman who had three sons. One became a farmer, the other became a blacksmith and they both were honored. The third son, Banzar, wanted to be a musician and got cast out of the family. Banzar met a blind musician named Sholo who taught him how to play an omele drum and to be a praise singer. The king of Lagos recognized Banzar's talents. So, Banzar became the king's personal musician and was richly rewarded. Banzar was happily reunited with his family at the end. The book is fun to read. The paintings in the book are colorful and beautiful. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys music and loves reading folktales.

A Worthy Tale To Tell

I am a storyteller and drummer, so this story is very appealing to me. It combines both. The illustrations are beautiful. This Nigerian tale is simple. It also invokes hope, that there can be a place for the artists in the world. The story is visual and can be "heard," as well, which is perfect considering it is the story of a musician. A person reading this to children could have great fun with it. It almost has the air of a Biblical story. Enjoy it! I currently have a borrowed copy. I am ordering my own for my personal collection!