Lion and the Ostrich Chicks
1. Bibliography
Bryan, Ashley. 1986. Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Tales. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0153022299
2. Plot Summary
Lion and the Ostrich Chicks begins when Mama and Papa Ostrich have six little chicks. When the little chicks realize that they cannot fly, Mama and Papa Ostrich teach the little chicks how to run. Soon, the chicks are running everywhere, but they promise Mama and Papa that they will not run too far away from home. One day, the little chicks get a little too excited while they are running and come across Lion and his den. He takes them and makes them his children, hoping to fatten them up and eat them. When the little chicks do not return home, Mama and Papa Ostrich gather up all of the animals to search for their chicks. Mongoose informs Mama that Lion has them, so, amongst the council, Mama and Papa Ostrich try to get their children back from Lion. When all of the animals vote with Lion out of fear, only one, Mongoose, defies Lion and escapes through a hole Mama dug while Mama and Papa Ostrich take their chicks and run all the way back home.
3. Critical Analysis
The story of Mama and Papa Ostrich with their six little chicks is filled with alliteration and rhymes that give the story a song-like rhythm. They "stretch, strut, and stride" as they run and "shoo!" around the bush, giving the story a strong image of the little chicks running around with their Mama and Papa. The illustrations are in black and white except for one that depicts the brand-new family. The one colored illustration really highlights the new beginning for the family.
4. Review Excerpts
From Publisher's Weekly: "Illustrated with line art, each of four tales from a different region of Africa highlights the power of common sense."
1987 Coretta Scott King Book Award
5. Connections
Read other Coretta Scott King award winners such as:
- Mora, Oge. Thank You, Omu! ISBN 0316431248
- Perry, LaTashia M. Skin Like Mine. 0997157987
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