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10th out of 13 books
—
4 voters
The Magic Gourd
Coretta Scott King Honor author/artist tells a tale from Mali about a magic gourd that can fill itself with whatever its owner desires. And hidden within is a powerful lesson about generosity.
Draught and famine have come to the parched forest. And when a hungry Rabbit rescues Brother Chameleon from a thorny bush, Chameleon repays him tenfold with a magical gourd that alway...more
Draught and famine have come to the parched forest. And when a hungry Rabbit rescues Brother Chameleon from a thorny bush, Chameleon repays him tenfold with a magical gourd that alway...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
February 1st 2003
by Scholastic Press
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This is a great folk tale from Mali about a rabbit who saves a chameleon and then receives a magic gourd that grants him wishes. The illustrations in this book are amazing and so bright. This is a great book to teach about African culture. I would also use this to teach students about kindness and generosity. A good writing activity that could follow up this book would be for children to write about what they would wish for if they had a magic gourd and why. I would cut out a paper gourd with li...more
In this story from Mali, when Rabbit saves Chameleon, he is rewarded with a magic gourd that refills itself with whatever Rabbit desires. But soon a greedy king steals Rabbit’s gift to make gold for himself. Rabbit recovers the magic gourd and teaches the greedy king a lesson.
**I really like stories with animals and where someone learns a lesson. This story is perfect for that! I would probably use this for elementary and middle school audience about greed and wealth and the value of friendship...more
**I really like stories with animals and where someone learns a lesson. This story is perfect for that! I would probably use this for elementary and middle school audience about greed and wealth and the value of friendship...more
The Magic Gourd by Baba Wagué Diakité was a recent library book find. I can't remember if it was my son or my daughter who checked it out. I read it to both of them.
The book retells a fable from Mali. Rabbit helps Chameleon out of a tight spot. As payment for his help, Chameleon gives Rabbit a magic gourd that will always provide him with a good meal. A greedy king (there's always a greedy king) hears about this magical gourd and decides he has to have it. Rabbit and Chameleon have to trick the...more
The book retells a fable from Mali. Rabbit helps Chameleon out of a tight spot. As payment for his help, Chameleon gives Rabbit a magic gourd that will always provide him with a good meal. A greedy king (there's always a greedy king) hears about this magical gourd and decides he has to have it. Rabbit and Chameleon have to trick the...more
A great folk story from Africa about a magic gourd that will fill with whatever the owner asks for. Other versions of this tale appear in various cultures. This holds true to African traditions and artwork illustrates traditional mud cloth patterns.
This is another book like Please, Malese. Stealing something becuase you need it does not make it ok. When the king steals the magic gourd the rabbit still leaves enough for the king when he gets it back. This shows the importance of friendship and kindness.
Jan 01, 2009
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
read-childrens-books,
read-fairy-folktales
This story about the friends Rabbit and Chameleon and the greedy king reminded me of another folktale I've read about 3 magic items given to a man, who has them stolen from him one by one by a greedy innkeeper. I enjoyed the illustrations and the author's notes at the back of the book on the symbolism in them and on life in Mali.
African (Mali) folktale. Moral: Don't be a jerk. (A very popular moral in children's stories.) Illustrations: funky and interesting. Narration: Decent.
Includes song lyrics and explanation, explanation of mud cloth patters, author's note, glossary, and related stories.
A folktale from Mali.
It was pretty good. The chameleon can talk.
Every time I share this book with students I remember the wonderful author who created a folktale treasure. The source material in the back of the book provides excellent resource material for extending the story.
May 01, 2013
Brittney
marked it as to-read
May 01, 2013
Estefany
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Apr 29, 2013
Eward Cedeno
marked it as to-read
Mar 18, 2013
Igraine
marked it as bilderbuecher
Jan 31, 2013
Kayla Lakin
marked it as to-read
Jan 18, 2013
Sreevidhya
marked it as to-read
Dec 26, 2012
Aaryanh
added it
Dec 12, 2012
Moatasem Abo shadi
added it
Dec 10, 2012
Mazen Abo shadi
marked it as to-read
Dec 05, 2012
Mr Omar
marked it as to-read
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