Rabbit Makes a Monkey of Lion facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Verna Aardema |
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| Illustrator | Jerry Pinkney |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's picture book, |
| Published | 1989 (Dial Press) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 28 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780803702981 |
| OCLC | 13581887 |
Rabbit Makes a Monkey of Lion: A Swahili Tale is a fun children's picture book from 1989. It was written by Verna Aardema and beautifully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. This book shares an old Swahili folktale about a clever Rabbit who uses his wits to trick a powerful Lion. The story centers around a special calabash tree and how Rabbit outsmarts Lion to get what he wants.
Contents
About the Book
Rabbit Makes a Monkey of Lion is a picture book, which means it uses many illustrations to help tell the story. It's based on a traditional folktale from the Swahili people, who live in East Africa. Folktales are old stories passed down through generations. They often teach lessons or explain things about the world. This book helps bring a piece of African culture and storytelling to young readers.
The Story of Rabbit and Lion
The main part of the story is about a big, strong Lion who thinks he's the smartest animal around. But then there's Rabbit, who might be small, but is very, very clever. The problem starts with a special calabash tree. This tree has delicious fruit that everyone wants. Lion tries to claim it for himself, but Rabbit has other plans.
Rabbit uses his quick thinking and tricky words to fool Lion. He makes Lion believe silly things and gets him to do funny tasks. In the end, Rabbit shows that being smart can be more powerful than being strong. It's a great example of how brains can beat brawn!
Main Characters
- Rabbit: He is the hero of the story. Rabbit is small and not very strong. But he is incredibly smart and full of tricks. He uses his cleverness to solve problems and outsmart bigger animals.
- Lion: He is the king of the jungle and very strong. Lion thinks he is the best and can do anything. However, he is also a bit proud and easily fooled by Rabbit's clever plans.
Themes in the Story
This book teaches some cool lessons. One big theme is that cleverness can win over strength. Rabbit isn't strong like Lion, but his smart ideas help him succeed. It also shows the importance of problem-solving and thinking outside the box. Even when things seem difficult, there's often a clever way to find a solution. The story also highlights the idea of tricksters in folktales. A trickster is a character who uses their wit to play pranks or get what they want.
About the Creators
Verna Aardema: The Author
Verna Aardema (1911–2000) was an American author who loved to retell traditional African folktales for children. She spent a lot of time researching these stories to make sure they were told accurately and respectfully. Her books often include words and phrases from the original languages, which makes them even more special. She wanted to share the rich culture and wisdom of African storytelling with kids around the world.
Jerry Pinkney: The Illustrator
Jerry Pinkney (1939–2021) was a famous American illustrator. He was known for his beautiful and detailed artwork in children's books. He won many awards for his illustrations, including the Caldecott Medal. Pinkney's drawings in Rabbit Makes a Monkey of Lion bring the characters and the African setting to life. His art helps readers imagine the jungle and feel the emotions of Rabbit and Lion.
Why Folktales Are Important
Folktales like Rabbit Makes a Monkey of Lion are important for many reasons. They help us learn about different cultures and traditions from around the world. They also teach us valuable lessons about life, like being clever, being kind, or being brave. These stories have been told for hundreds of years. They connect us to the past and show us how people thought and lived long ago. Reading them helps keep these old traditions alive for new generations.
