Mabela The Clever
Author:
Illustrator:
Margaret Read MacDonald
Tim Coffey
A cautionary tale from the Limba of Sierra Leone. Mabela's father teaches her cleverness. So when the cat attempts to initiate the mice into his "secret society" she is alert and saves the day. But not before a lot of fun marching and singing on the part of all. Children love shouting out the "FO FENG!" each time the cat pounces. Somehow I think this little tale might save lives. I remember being charged by an out of control car one day when I was eight. I escaped the car's wheels only because I had my ears and eyes open and...as Mabela learned...MOVED FAST!
Categories
Children's Books: Picture Books
Children's Books: Activities suggested for books
Story origins: Sierra Leone
Singing Tales
Editions
Hardcover
2003
Montessori Korea Co., Ltd.
32 pages
89-7098-732-0
Paperback
2006
Albert Whitman & Company
32 pages
0-8075-4903-7
Hardcover
2001
Albert Whitman & Co
32 pages
0-8075-4902-9
Quotes
The energetic text is trademark MacDonald. Written purely to be read aloud, and punctuated by a chant that invites children to join in.
Kirkus Reviews
This Limba fable wraps several moral lessons into a nail-biting adventure....The fast-paced text is filled with sly jokes the young ones will like...and the angular, parrot-color paintings are large enough to work well for read-alouds.
Booklist, July 1, 2001, Gillian Engberg
This story lends itself to gentle accompaniment on thumb piano or authentic Mbira, with possibilities for light percussion from drums and rattles. Because the tale is brief, it can easily be done in one class period and repeated as the children wish.
The Orff Echo, Spring 2002, Veronika Schultz
MacDonald's retelling of this Limba tale is engineered for storytime success
School Library Journal
MacDonald's spry retelling...is alight with humor. Coffey's acrylics on watercolor paper textured with gesso create an appealingly tactile quality...
Publisher's Weekly, 2001
MacDonald's spry retelling of an African folktale...is alight with humor.
Publishers Weekly
From tone to pace, MacDonald's choices here are right on the money: this is a cautionary tale that will be rip-roaring fun to tell, listen to, and act out.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 2001
Tim Coffley's wraparound jacket with the elongated tawny cat striding aboe a big-eyed, gap-toothed mouse is a fine indication of things to come. ...works well as a picture books for a young audience.
Horn Book, Sept/Oct 2001 Maggie Bush
MacDonald's retelling of this Limba tale is engineered for storytime success. *Starred Review
School Library Journal , June 2001
Awards
Parent's Choice Silver Award
ABA Pick of the Lists
Texas Library Association 2 x 2
Children's Catalog 19th ed.
Aesop Accolade
School Library Journal*
Washington Children's Choice Nominee
2003
New York Public Library 101 Best Books
2001
Storytelling World Award (Stories for Young Readers)
2002
Book Links Lasting Connections
2001
ALSC Notable Children's Films
2007
Children's Core Collection, 2014, 21st ed.
Charlotte Zolotow Award, Highly Commended
Children's Literature Choice
2002
Best Books for Children 7th ed.