In the cleft of a rock, on the crest of a hill, grows a tree that belongs to no-one and to 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 if 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.
A touching fable from an award-winning author.
Award-winning author Glenda Millard grew up in a house with no television. Her mother read fairy tales, fables and parables to Glenda and her sister while her father worked the night shift in a factory. When she became an adult, Glenda wanted to write myths and legends of her own. Mbobo Tree is one of them. She lives in Victoria, Australia.
In the familiar rhythm and singing prose of the oral tradition, Glenda Millard's tale conveys a number of subtle lessons about difference, acceptance and most importantly, the protection we owe to nature around us… The story unravels on a moving and poetic illustration that leaves a lasting sense of wonder at this extraordinary little girl and 'her' tree.
A stirring tale about bravery and valuing our natural surroundings, children will enjoy hearing and reading it time and time again.
The language of this book is as rich and colourful as the artwork. There's a sense of dusty, hot wide open spaces and unyielding sand. There's a feeling of poverty but deep joy and the message of respect for living things and sharing the tree's yield with animals is quietly powerful. A satisfying book that will provoke thought and discussion.
Although at first this would seem to be a simple story for children, there is a lot of depth in it as it explores the issues of nature and the spirit of bravery.
This is a truly stunning book… The text is beautifully written, with some of the most powerful descriptive writing I have read… The story could be used very effectively in the classroom to inspire creative descriptive writing and it is a wonderful example of the legend genre. The illustrations are striking and really do the story justice - the colours are perfect. Mbobo Tree is a 'must' for any school and every teacher should have the opportunity to read and use such a fantastic book with their class.