Mbobo Tree

by Glenda Millard, Annie White (Illustrator)

In the cleft of a rock, on the crest of a hill, grows a tree that belongs to no-one and to everyone. When the life-giving tree is threatened, can Tiranamba find her voice, and save the village?

Genres: Picture Books

30 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Glenda Millard was born in the Goldfields region of Central Victoria and has lived in the area all her life. The communities she has lived in and the surrounding landscapes have provided a rich source of inspiration and settings for many of her stories.

It was not until Glenda's four children became teenagers that she began to write in her spare time. She is now a full-time writer.

Apart from writing, some of Glenda's favorite things are Jack Russell Terriers, hot-air ballooning, making and eating bread and pizza in the wood-fired oven that her husband built in the back yard, and reading books which either make her laugh or cry.

Glenda has published six picture books, three junior fiction titles, short stories and two young adult titles. 'The Naming of Tishkin Silk' was shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the cleft of a rock, on the crest of a hill, grows a tree that belongs to no-on and everyone. When a little baby girl is found swinging in the branches of the tree, the villagers name her Tiranamba Adesimbo Mbobo and love her as it she were their own. But Tiranamba never speaks a word.

When the life-giving tree is threatened, Tiranamba finds her voice, and her bravery saves the village.

Glenda Millard grew up in a house with no television. Her mother read her fairy tales, fables and parables. When she grew into a writer she wanted to write her own myths and parables. This is a wonderful tale set in Africa, with Jackals and corn-row braided hair. The oil painted illustrations are a colourful delight.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely poignant story of a baby who belongs to everyone and no-one is found in a tree that belongs to everyone and no-one.

I found the ending momentarily baffling and remain uncertain as to whether a child reader would understand the nuances of the last few pages. As a kid, I'd have wanted to know: What happened to the axeman? What happened to Tiranamba Adesimbo Mbobo,the girl who finally gave up her silence to defend the tree against the axeman?

I doubt I would have got it without adult explanation.

So - an utterly beautiful book but I'd recommend adult supervision.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet book; poetic and compelling.

[Shannon Tullamarine · Rating 5 out of 5]

...the memories of the wise women number more than the stars...
I have yet to read one of Glenda Millard's books and not be moved to tears.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A traditional African tale told as a picture fiction story. This story was well put together, interestingly illustrated and would open the way to talking about traditional stories and folk tales.

[Desna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fable quality of this story and the ending left me with goosebumps. I have read our library copy many times. Wonderful illustrations but a story of both sadness and hope.