Animal Tales 1
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Authors
Von Wielligh, G.R.
Issue Date
2011
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Type
Book, Whole
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Abstract
"After happening to find "Animal Tales 3" I sought out the other three in the series. Again we have spicy stories from South Africa with surprising and engaging illustrations. Again there is a chip out of the book's cover. After two volumes in 2011, they produced one in 2012 (Animal Tales 3) and one in 2013 (Animal Tales 4). Wielligh and Blankenaar collaborate throughout. I notice that they are also available as "Dierestories" in Afrikaans. The introduction "Telling tales Khoikhoi style" (11) is endearing. It will warm the heart of anyone who loves to hear good stories. These are spicy stories from South Africa. I find less use of standard fable tropes here than I did in "Animal Tales 3." Typically the stories pit the smart jackal against the stupid wolf. A short introduction tips off the reader what he or she can learn from the story, which is often a "pourquoi" story. That is, they tell why porpoises chase after fish and why jackals' tails droop. In fact the first story, "The battle between walking and flying animals," explains these and a great deal more of animal behavior. Closest to the fable world here might be "Dig in our heels, Brother Wolf!" (82), which has jackal talking wolf into having his tail tied to the tail of a sleeping horse. It will not go well for Brother Wolf! "Wolf learns to fly" (76) picks up a theme from the Aesopic fable of the turtle learning how to fly. "Wolf and the human animal" (71) echoes several fables about strong animals encountering a surprisingly effective human being. As I mentioned about "Animal Tales 3," the art is as creative as the stories. I like these books!"
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Publisher
Protea Book House
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Identifier
10920 (Access ID)