Bimwili and the Zimwi

by Verna Aardema, Susan Meddaugh (Illustrator)

A Swahili girl is abducted by a Zimwi and told to be the voice inside his singing drum.

Genres: Picture Books, Africa, Childrens

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

A prolific American children's author and teacher, Verna Norberg Aardema Vugteveen - more commonly known as Verna Aardema - was born in 1911 in New Era, Michigan. She was educated at Michigan State University, and taught grade school from 1934-1973. She also worked as a journalist for the Muskegon Chronicle from 1951-1972. In 1960 she published her first book, the collection of stories, Tales from the Story Hat. She went on to write over thirty more books, most of them folkloric retellings. Her picture-book, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, won co-illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon a Caldecott Medal. Aardema was married twice, and died in 2000 in Fort Myers, Florida. (source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inquisitive young girl named Bimwili finds herself imprisoned in a "singing drum" by the troll-like Zimwi in this retelling of a folktale from Zanzibar. Eventually escaping through the power of her song, which she uses to communicate her plight, Bimwili is reunited with her family, and the Zimwi returns to his seaside haunts...

Verna Aardema is known for her wonderful folktale adaptations, and Bimwili and the Zimwi is no exception. Engaging and fun to read, it includes a short glossary of Swahili words, and offers a brief note on the title page concerning its source material. Susan Meddaugh, whose series of picture books about the lovable mutt Martha are so popular, here offers soft, appealing illustrations that are the perfect complement to the story.

[Aoife Hassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moving story originated in Zanzibar and is retold in a beautifully descriptive style by Aardema whose writing is complemented by equally lovely illustrations from Susan Meddaugh. It tells the story of a young girls first adventure from her village and how negligence can end in disaster, but that a families love will always prevail in keeping one safe. Bimwili, our heroine, is captured on her adventure by an evil Zimwi who hides her inside a drum and uses her lovely singing to make his fortune, traveling from village to village and tricking people into thinking the drum is singing. Finally he takes the drum with Bimwili inside back to the village where she is from. Of course her sisters recognise her voice and trick the Zimwi into giving her back.
I liked this story as it shows the power of strong family values, how we all need to look after each other and, of course, the prevalence of good over evil. I also like it when traditional folk tales are retold for children in a simplified picture book format as I believe they all have a strong moral message to relate.
This story could be used for cross curricular support for subjects such as science and geography in KS1. The children could source various objects that are mentioned in the book such as the sea shell and the drum and discuss how these objects produce sound.
There is also a massive opportunity for role play as the children could have fun acting out characters or scenes from the book, especially as the author uses interesting sounds and words to express emotions in the story.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy! This is Hansel and Gretel on steroids; don't read this to your young one if they are afraid of being taken away by green creatures and made to sing in a drum! The story line was very complex and entertaining, though scary, and there seemed to be some morality and family consequence tales in the mix. But the little girl didn't learn much, and the men did all the important things, which seemed particularly sexist as the Mama and the sisters did all the research.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite story as a child. Searched for this book for years as an adult so I could always have a copy even though I could tell this story by heart.

[Miriam · Rating 1 out of 5]

creepy

[Annie Hammon]

African Folk Tale

[Lana Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A folktale from Zanzibar.... The story tells of three sisters in a Swahili village who set out on a journey to the sea. The youngest sibling trails behind, finding a lovely shell. She creates a song about her shell that she soon is forced to sing for the village monster-- the Zimwi. The singer is captures and contains the young girl in a drum. This funny looking monster entertains neighboring villages with this "singing drum". Before she reunites with her family, she has to defeat this shape-shifting Zimwi who turns into a pumpkin patch. This is an exciting read, loaded with sound effects, for 2nd to 4th grade classrooms.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional literature, African folk tale
This is a freaky story about a little girl who gets separated from her sisters during a walk. In the style of "Little Red Riding Hood" a super creepy creature (The Zimwi) gradually draws her closer to him, then captures her. Scary! The theme of listening to parents' warnings is central. An extra star for building tension.

[Chamera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun book with a good lesson and though it could've failed with a younger audience due to it's length and the lack of concentration younger kids harbor, the onomatopoeia, made up words, and the illustrations helped bring to book to life. My sister hung onto every word as I read. Great retelling of a folk tale.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother gave me this book when I was in Kindergarten and I have loved it ever since. I read it to my niece when she comes over and I plan to read it to my own children. It is a great book with beautiful pictures and a fascinating story with a strong message.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this story on my own in kindergarten. Now I'm twenty three and I still remember the story and the lesson it taught. What does THAT tell you?

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uh, sorta weird, but cute. And a lesson.

[Magila · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Rebecca Quiroz]

Three sisters on a trip to the sea. What is in store for them? Another great African tale brought to story! All children will love this book of color and vibrancy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary but excellent