When Hippo Was Hairy: And Other Tales from Africa

by Nick Greaves (Author), Rod Clement (Illustrator)

• Used

  Paperback
  1990

  $3.25

  When Hippo Was Hairy is just one of the thirty-six fascinating stories about African animals in this imaginative book. The folklore and mythology of the African people have been handed down by word of mouth through generations of tribal life. In a land which, until very recently, teemed with the richest wildlife in the world, people and animals lived for centuries in close proximity to one another, and came to know and understand each other intimately. African folk tales reflect this special relationship. Nick Greaves, who lives in Zimbabwe, has studied the traditional animal stories of different tribes from many parts of the continent. In this book, he records some of the best. There are tales about Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Elephant, and many others. Some are humorous, some sad, but all make compelling reading. Not only do they preserve for all time Africa's animal folklore, they also provide a fascinating, vivid, exciting picture of a land and its people. Each animal has been painted in brilliant detail and colourful, realistic style by Rod Clement, and nearly every story is illustrated by his lively sketches. After the stories about each animal, there is factual information about the animal's habits, lifespan, size, gestation period and other useful and interesting details. This is complemented by a map of Africa showing where the animal still lives today. This is a unique book of stories, paintings and facts about one of the world's great heritages - the wildlife of Africa - presented in a way that will entertain all ages and tastes and, hopefully, help to preserve that heritage too.

• Used

  Paperback
  2000

  $3.25

  Keenly aware of the needless destruction of wildlife and vegetation which occurs all over the continent as a result of ever expanding population growth and the greedy, land hungry actions of man. The author brings together a collection of fables told by different African tribes that mirror the richness and diversity of Africa's wildlife. The stories bring home the message that we are all part of the great diversity of life and that it is up to us and future generations to preserve our natural heritage. Illustrated in full colour paintings and black and white drawings, these stories are fun to read as well as educational.