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The Village that Vanished
Young Abikanile and all of the villagers of Yao feel safe hidden deep within the African jungle. But word has come that the slavers are on their way! Abikanile looks to her mother and her grandmother for strength and guidance. These two brave women come up with a plan to fool the slavers and protect their tribe. But as the villagers retreat into the forest, Abikanile finds that she too has the courage to help her people stay safe and free.
40 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2002
18 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Ann Grifalconi
58 books25 followers (September 22, 1929 – February 19, 2020) was an American author and illustrator of children's books. Born in New York, she studied art at the Cooper Union School of Art, where she received a certificate in advertising art in 1950.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 24, 2017
The Village That Vanished was a delightful story about how a grandmother, daughter and granddaughter saved their villag3e from slave traders. Children will enjoy reading this story while they follow along looking at the life-like illustrations.
November 14, 2011
The Village that Vanished is a powerful story about a small African village of the Yao people, whose inhabitants are trying to avoid being captured into slavery by another tribe.
As the book opens, we see the main character, a young girl, Abikanile, watching her mother pray by the river bank, and we learn that 'slavers' are coming. A plan comes to her mother as she prays, and she manages to convince the rest of the villagers to follow it. They will dismantle all their huts and vanish 'like smoke' into the forest, so that no trace of them remains. Only an old woman stays behind, too old to move on.
During their escape through the forest, the villagers encounter a river, which they have no way of crossing. Like her mother earlier, Abikanile prays to it and summons the spirits of her ancestors. Soon some stones miraculously begin to appear, allowing them to cross - but the other villagers refuse to see them, until they are admonished by Abikanile's mother to have more faith. They soon all cross safely to the other side. The final pages take us back to the old woman who stayed behind, as she manages to outsmart the slavers, and convince them that no village had ever occupied the spot.
The book begins with a brief note from the author that offers some useful background on how to interpret it. It's subtle, well crafted illustrations evoke the life of the village quite evocatively: the faces of each of the people, their clothing and huts, and the nature around them (e.g., the river, a butterfly, some tall reeds, etc).
For a Key Stage 2 class - perhaps Year 4 or 5, depending on how you wished to present it - the Village that Vanished could work on many different levels: it is educational (about African history) and it is a parable (about the power of courage and faith). It also explores the meaning of storytelling itself - and the fine line between mythology and history. This last aspect is emphasised by two images that bookend the story. It opens and closes with a tribal elder shown talking to a number of seated children. As you read, you feel as if you are sitting amongst those children.
As the book opens, we see the main character, a young girl, Abikanile, watching her mother pray by the river bank, and we learn that 'slavers' are coming. A plan comes to her mother as she prays, and she manages to convince the rest of the villagers to follow it. They will dismantle all their huts and vanish 'like smoke' into the forest, so that no trace of them remains. Only an old woman stays behind, too old to move on.
During their escape through the forest, the villagers encounter a river, which they have no way of crossing. Like her mother earlier, Abikanile prays to it and summons the spirits of her ancestors. Soon some stones miraculously begin to appear, allowing them to cross - but the other villagers refuse to see them, until they are admonished by Abikanile's mother to have more faith. They soon all cross safely to the other side. The final pages take us back to the old woman who stayed behind, as she manages to outsmart the slavers, and convince them that no village had ever occupied the spot.
The book begins with a brief note from the author that offers some useful background on how to interpret it. It's subtle, well crafted illustrations evoke the life of the village quite evocatively: the faces of each of the people, their clothing and huts, and the nature around them (e.g., the river, a butterfly, some tall reeds, etc).
For a Key Stage 2 class - perhaps Year 4 or 5, depending on how you wished to present it - the Village that Vanished could work on many different levels: it is educational (about African history) and it is a parable (about the power of courage and faith). It also explores the meaning of storytelling itself - and the fine line between mythology and history. This last aspect is emphasised by two images that bookend the story. It opens and closes with a tribal elder shown talking to a number of seated children. As you read, you feel as if you are sitting amongst those children.
March 8, 2009
This is a great book about courage. It is set during the time when slaves were being stolen from Africa. A woman and her daughter, when danger of their village being raided, come up with a plan to save it. By putting faith in their ancient relatives and spirits, they are able to escape and go live in the forest. Because of this, their village survives untouched. It is a great book for African American young readers to take pride in themselves and their ancestors!
November 23, 2020
It is a pleasure to find an older picture book that teaches a part of history and is so beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The author, Ann Grifalconi, tells that she has written this in the style of a storyteller (often called a 'griot'). Children gather around at night to hear the stories, often learning life's lessons from them. This time the story is about a girl, Abikanile (meaning "listen"); her mother, Njemile (meaning "upstanding"); and her grandmother, Chimwala (meaning "stone") who find a way for their people, the Yao people, to escape slave traders. It is Abikanile's idea. They completely destroy their village, leaving only the old grandmother in her hut, presenting herself as a witch-woman living alone in the forest when those traders arrive. Earlier, all the tribe have escaped deeper into the forest, but are daunted by the river until the young girl shows her courage, prays to her ancestors who are said to inhabit every living thing. She receives the message. Stones that will help them all cross appear as the water recedes. There is more to the story, focusing on courage by all the escaping villagers and on that of the grandmother, left to face the slave traders. Gorgeous to see full-color pages by Kadir Nelson in scenes and in portraits.
March 29, 2017
This book is very good it tells us about Chimwala the grandma Abikanile and Njemelje and the Yao people and the Slavers
January 16, 2012
This story is about a village in Yao, Africa, which disappears because of the fear of foreigners taking over the people of the village as slaves.
The story is told in the style of an African folk tale, which is traditional to the custom of Africa. These stories are told to others as a means of passing on knowledge amongst its people. This brings togetherness and has strong meaningful proverbs.
The way the story narrates allows readers to go through a mythological journey through magic and mystery of whether young Abikanile’s prayer comes true, of saving her village from the foreigners. The story reflects upon tribal support and courage, that both these together can overcome obstacles. The book has beautiful, rich illustrations reflecting upon African people and its surroundings. It has very powerful adjectives describing courageous acts.
I believe the book would be perfect for KS2 topic work, such as looking at Africa and slavery, or even perhaps studying this text during ‘The Black History Month’. It is a great book to get children thinking about the courage and struggle African’s had during slavery.
The book has several cross curricular links with History, Geography, R.E, Literacy and Drama. It is a fairly short story and it is definitely ‘an uplifting tale of inner strength and courage’ as the slogan at the back suggests.
The story is told in the style of an African folk tale, which is traditional to the custom of Africa. These stories are told to others as a means of passing on knowledge amongst its people. This brings togetherness and has strong meaningful proverbs.
The way the story narrates allows readers to go through a mythological journey through magic and mystery of whether young Abikanile’s prayer comes true, of saving her village from the foreigners. The story reflects upon tribal support and courage, that both these together can overcome obstacles. The book has beautiful, rich illustrations reflecting upon African people and its surroundings. It has very powerful adjectives describing courageous acts.
I believe the book would be perfect for KS2 topic work, such as looking at Africa and slavery, or even perhaps studying this text during ‘The Black History Month’. It is a great book to get children thinking about the courage and struggle African’s had during slavery.
The book has several cross curricular links with History, Geography, R.E, Literacy and Drama. It is a fairly short story and it is definitely ‘an uplifting tale of inner strength and courage’ as the slogan at the back suggests.
January 27, 2013
This story is an African tale about a village called Yao that escapes slavers by moving. The village literally vanishes as the village people take everything they can carry and hide the rest. "The people stood back, then, leaning on their hoes, their tears wetting the soil where their homes had rested, as the smell of freshly turned earth rose about them."
The main characters in the story are a young girl called Abikanile and her mother, Njemile they guide their fellow villagers in an ingenious escape, but it requires both courage and faith. This story illustrates the upsetting atmosphere of the villagers as they prepare to flee deep into the forest. One villager stays behind in the story Chimwalal a elderly women that is to old travel. The villagers have to say good bye to the elderly women and again the reader can identify with how unjust this situation is.
I like this book because it is very different to anything else i have read before, rather than a story this book is more of a tale. It incorporates a pray with hidden meanings and details the African setting in throughout.
I believe this book is ideal to inspire creative writing it has a gripping plot throughout and allows the reader to gain an understanding of feelings and attitudes of the characters.
Age 5-11
The main characters in the story are a young girl called Abikanile and her mother, Njemile they guide their fellow villagers in an ingenious escape, but it requires both courage and faith. This story illustrates the upsetting atmosphere of the villagers as they prepare to flee deep into the forest. One villager stays behind in the story Chimwalal a elderly women that is to old travel. The villagers have to say good bye to the elderly women and again the reader can identify with how unjust this situation is.
I like this book because it is very different to anything else i have read before, rather than a story this book is more of a tale. It incorporates a pray with hidden meanings and details the African setting in throughout.
I believe this book is ideal to inspire creative writing it has a gripping plot throughout and allows the reader to gain an understanding of feelings and attitudes of the characters.
Age 5-11
November 5, 2009
This is a story about Abikanile and the villagers of Yao. Their tribe lives in the African jungle where they feel safe and hidden from the slavers. But, they soon find out that the slavers are on their way to come find them. Abikanile is scared when they find out the news and she looks for strength and guidance from both her grandmother and mother. With much planning, the women decide upon a plan to try and trick the slavers that are on their way in order to protect themselves and their tribe. The tribe decides to move into the forest, and as this is happening Abikanile gains the strength within herself to lead her family and her tribe to safety and freedom. This book would be appropriate for use in 2nd-6th grade.
January 10, 2011
This is a wonderful story about the survival of a tribe, evading slave traders, due to the wisdom of a young girl and the courage of an old woman. The story is enchanting and the illustrations are terrific. I love the expressions, the displays of tenderness and joy, of awe and of wisdom. It's a terrific story to read aloud, although I recommend it for older elementary school age children as it deals with the slave trade and is a bit long to keep a younger child's attention. I was torn between giving it four or five stars, but I decided to go with the rare five-star rating.
January 24, 2026
"an old, old woman and a very young girl did what had to be done when their people were threatened. They knew that once the ancestors have spoken, one must answer not only with faith, but with courage as well!"
July 4, 2017
This original story reads like an African folk tale and stirs the imagination of how it could be true.
During the time when slavers stole families from African villages, young Abikanile watched her mother pray for magic to protect their village. When they were warned that slavers were coming, Abikanile’s mother decides they must disappear and leave the village behind. In fear they discuss, burning the village, but Aabikanile’s mother says they must dismantle their straw hutches and scatter the materials in the woods. They do so, and disappear to hide in the forest. Unable to find anyone, the slavers leave, sure someone had been there. And that is how the village of Yao vanished and all survived.
During the time when slavers stole families from African villages, young Abikanile watched her mother pray for magic to protect their village. When they were warned that slavers were coming, Abikanile’s mother decides they must disappear and leave the village behind. In fear they discuss, burning the village, but Aabikanile’s mother says they must dismantle their straw hutches and scatter the materials in the woods. They do so, and disappear to hide in the forest. Unable to find anyone, the slavers leave, sure someone had been there. And that is how the village of Yao vanished and all survived.
March 22, 2020
For a Key Stage 2 class - perhaps Year 4 or 5, depending on how you wished to present it - the Village that Vanished could work on many different levels: it is educational (about African history) and it is a parable (about the power of courage and faith). It also explores the meaning of storytelling itself - and the fine line between mythology and history. This last aspect is emphasised by two images that bookend the story. It opens and closes with a tribal elder shown talking to a number of seated children. As you read, you feel as if you are sitting amongst those children.
April 26, 2022
Hello,
One of the main themes that is woven in this book is strength. The story line is very upsetting as it is based on slavery and abduction. It also highlights real historical events such as injustice and fight to freedom. However, some of the children found this book to be complicated because of the mystery behind praying to ancestors and communicating to crocodiles. The themes in this book are; injustice, passion, bravery, fight to freedom and resilience.
We recommend this book to Year 4s, 5s and 6s.
Best wishes,
Year 4 Rowan.
One of the main themes that is woven in this book is strength. The story line is very upsetting as it is based on slavery and abduction. It also highlights real historical events such as injustice and fight to freedom. However, some of the children found this book to be complicated because of the mystery behind praying to ancestors and communicating to crocodiles. The themes in this book are; injustice, passion, bravery, fight to freedom and resilience.
We recommend this book to Year 4s, 5s and 6s.
Best wishes,
Year 4 Rowan.
August 6, 2023
Far superior story and artwork to Ann Grifalconi 1987 Caldecott Honor book, The Village of Round and Square Houses. The book follows the villagers of a West African community who uproot to evade slavers, all but one villager that is.
September 24, 2019
I love this book! It is about an African tale about a young African girl and an older African woman. Slavers are coming to their village to take people and the villagers end up leaving the village behind leaving the older woman to stay there since they won't take her. The villagers get away because of the young girl's bravery when crossing the river. The pictures are beautiful and it is a fun story to follow. Definitely best for older kids
February 12, 2022
Other reviews do a better job at noting the story than I.
A beautifully told story.
The illustrations by Kadir Nelson are of course beautiful. The attention to the patterns of the cloth are unlike anything I've noticed in his illustrations - just beautiful!
The crossing of the river reminded me of "Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom" by Tim Tingle. I had forgotten Bok Chitto was by Tim Tingle, anything by him is a worthy read.
A beautifully told story.
The illustrations by Kadir Nelson are of course beautiful. The attention to the patterns of the cloth are unlike anything I've noticed in his illustrations - just beautiful!
The crossing of the river reminded me of "Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom" by Tim Tingle. I had forgotten Bok Chitto was by Tim Tingle, anything by him is a worthy read.
April 1, 2023
The slavers are getting closer.
Could anything be more terrifying? But Abikanile and Njemile have a plan, a bold plan.
It's a bold plan, relentlessly purposeful. I won't reveal any of that, because it would count as a great big spoiler. Suffice it to know that every single person followed up on this plan to save the tribe, despite "their tears wetting the soil."
The Yao tribe was saved, through their ingenuity, faith, and courage.
Could anything be more terrifying? But Abikanile and Njemile have a plan, a bold plan.
It's a bold plan, relentlessly purposeful. I won't reveal any of that, because it would count as a great big spoiler. Suffice it to know that every single person followed up on this plan to save the tribe, despite "their tears wetting the soil."
The Yao tribe was saved, through their ingenuity, faith, and courage.
April 4, 2022
This is a beautiful book! I loved the story about a tribe learning about slave traders coming and other warring tribes coming to attack and take prisoners to sell. Instead they just took apart their whole village and only left an old women! So brilliant- very inspiring to trick the attackers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
This book was an amazing story, the universal theme is tradition because the story that the book tells is being passed on from generation to generation.
April 26, 2018
you can feel the tension in the writing- the description of taking the huts apart- making the village disappear was so intense it would be a wonderful read aloud and discussion topic.
March 29, 2019
Stunning illustrations. I absolutely love Kadir Nelson’s work. The story is well written too.
March 7, 2020
Gorgeously illustrated story of the bravery of an African village facing the perils of slavery and the loss of home. Absolutely beautiful and inspirational.
January 5, 2021
Beautifully illustrated, concisely told graceful tale of an African community who need to escape slave traders; decisions that need to be made & how to trust in the best outcome
Want to read
January 26, 2021I love it because it is super interesting and they are from yao which I know now thanks to Ann Grifalconi.
Read
April 5, 2021a beautiful story of more than survival;
how the Yao tribe tricked the slavers &
remained
how the Yao tribe tricked the slavers &
remained
Read
April 6, 2021Can I read it
Read
May 16, 2021Great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
Good story
May 8, 2022
Be sure to read the authors note and pronunciation guide at the beginning. Beautiful folktale and magnificent illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews