05 Aug / First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch
Out on the Kenyan grasslands, millions of animals will take turns grazing on the lush greenery after the rainy season during their great migration from neighboring Tanzania. First the zebra will eat only the very top of the grass, followed by the wildebeest who will dine on the middle sections, to be followed by the gazelle who will finish the last few inches. The circle of life has been uninterrupted for thousands of years, each animal taking only what it needs.
The humans, alas, cannot say the same … but Lynne Barasch‘s latest story offers some hope. When Abaani, a Maasai boy, and Haki, a Kikuyu boy, meet for the first time, they dislike each other instantly for no other reason than they belong to different African tribes. When a toddler wanders off into danger, the two boys instantly come together to save the child’s life. Just like that, all enmity is lost: saving a life becomes a bonding experience.
With fresh, welcoming watercolors, Barasch captures the wisdom of innocent children, leaving a combatant past behind to forge a new future together. Children will indeed lead the way toward peace, if only we adults can let go and follow …
Readers: Children
Published: 2009