Blair Lent (1930–2009)

This traditional tale is a tribal 'pourquoi' (por-kwa: french for 'why' - an old legend told to explain why something is the way it is) sharing how the Sun and the Moon came to live in the sky from an African point of view. While the story is decent, albeit predictable (following the typical format of this type of folklore), the illustrations really bring it to life! The use of cool tones (blues and greens) to represent the water is in perfect contrast to the warm, golden hues of the sun characters and bright white (silver?) tones of the moon character. Additionally, the detail paid to each individual water character (shape, line, pattern) is a marvel to behold as well.

The district commissioner of Southern Nigeria, Elphimstone Dayrell, first heard this story from the people of his region, the Efik-Ibibio, and recorded it in his book Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa in 1910. The Illustrator, Blair Lent (who one a Caldecott Honor for his authentic depiction of tribesmen dressed to represent the elements and creatures of the sea) says his pictures are influenced by all of Africa and not one single tribe or country.… (mere)

This book was a great read due to its concise delivery of information. There are surely many in-betweens for the information it provides, but the book acts more as a primer for knowledge. Alongside this, the illustrations are very traditional, but with childlike elements which begs appreciation from the viewer. The straightforward narration may cause the reader to hear the traditional deep-voiced narrator as the characters do things and speak. This book gives children a basis for traditional literature.… (mere)