 Muhla,
The Fair One
AUTHOR: Linda Ghan
ISBN: 092183330X
Children and adults alike will enjoy this magical tale, illustrated by newcomer Élise Benoît. Origi nally a play commissioned by the Black Theatre Workshop to tour Montreal schools, Muhla, The Fair One relates the predicament of a young girl who is given the responsibility of caring for her little sister while her parents are away planting and hunting. As her parents leave, Muhla promises not to open the large red clay pot, "no matter what little voice whispers." It's not long, however, before she raises the lid "a teeny-tiny little bit" and out jumps a big and noisy and beautiful Izumi. Based on an African folk tale, Muhla, The Fair One is a wise and witty story about a young girl who suddenly finds herself trapped in the body of a spirit monster.
REVIEWS: "Muhla, The Fair One celebrates the African storytelling tradition by weaving several tales into one finely detailed pattern.... At a time when Canadian politicians are naively questioning the worth of Canadian books, author Linda Ghan introduces her audience to a tribal culture whose identity and history is lovingly preserved in stories handed from generation to generation.... Educators and librarians will welcome Elise Benoît's detailed and colourful illustrations along with the language glossary and pronunciation guide." —Children's Book News
"Muhla, The Fair One is an African-based 'myth' that deals with real supernatural powers. Depicting the realities of life somewhere in rural Africa, it shows a clever child outwitting a mischievous spirit who tries to destroy her life after she prevents him from devouring her younger sister. The story concentrates on how her basic goodness of both action and intent not only saves her sister and herself while destroying the spirit, but wins her the right kind of husband, a man who is both good and kind. Most interestingly for young readers, this short, illustrated book shows the realities of life of another culture. The pictures, which include both vivid colour and black and white, show clearly this very different way of life, while helping make it comprehendible for the reader." —Canadian Literature
"This is a long,
complex story for a picture book format, but the elements are strong and
the theme that appearances are deceiving to all but the most perceptive
is worth comparing to European tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast.' The
striking art, gray halftones with some full-color illustrations interspersed,
features a smoothly modeled cast of black characters who are costumed
in vividly patterned clothing and coifed with elaborately braided hair.
With such visual dignity and a narrative that only occasionally falters,
this well-produced Canadian paperback will hold independent readers or
serve as a read-aloud to younger listeners." Other
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