David A. Anderson (2) (1930–)

This book, the second in a trilogy of African creation & early mythology, starts where the 1992 African Studies Association African Children's Book Award Winner, THE ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH ends. The narrative tells of humankind's loss of respect for life & its responsibilities, & of the calamities that befall civilization as a result. The story centers on the struggle of one Yoruban individual who attains awareness & ponders how to transmit his knowledge to others. Having lost respect for the natural world and all that it supports, the young people of Ife are consumed by their greed and laziness and almost destroy themselves… (mehr)

This Yoruba creation myth is a beautiful story of how the Earth and its people were formed. The illustrations are stunning and the bold colors and brushstrokes provide a vivid visual alongside the narrative. I do not think the images enhance the story, however, mostly they only show what the text says, and provide some details. Not the best layout for the illustrations and text as well. The illustration is always on one side and the text is on the other. There is no creative placement. I am happy to discover this not well known myth (at least in Western culture).… (mehr)