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Sikulu and Harambe by the Zambezi River

26 October 2008 20 Comments

I love to read to my son; and I especially love different takes on stories that I heard growing up. One such story I had the opportunity to share with my son is an African take on the Good Samaritan story from the Bible. This new remix is called “Sikulu and Harambe by the Zambezi River” written by Kunle Oguneye and starring Sikulu the Spider and Harambe the Hippo. I don’t want to go over the entire plot with you here because honestly, you can check the book out online by clicking here. But – I do want to say that this was a wonderful take on an old “classic” – I liked it as much as my son did. In fact, we read it three times in one day! My son is three – but a younger child would enjoy this story also for the simpleness of it (and the beautiful illustrations by Bruce McCorkindale). The older kids will appreciate the story – which is basically “be kind to others.” It’s a wonderful moral and a wonderful and cultural retelling. The book goes even a step (or two) further by even having a glossary of words used in the book. This is a great way for your children to learn more about life and the language of Zambia.

I had the awesome opportunity to ask Kunle some questions – so I would like to share a little about him, and also share his answers.

Kunle Oguneye was born and raised in Nigeria and began his career as a professional engineer and software developer. In the last few years he re-discovered his love for storytelling and decided to leave his job with technology and focus on writing and storytelling. Kunle and his family live in Washington State. “Sikulu & Harambe” is his first book.

Atomic-Mama: Why did you choose the “Good Samaritan” story as your first book? What are some other folktales that you might plan on writing?
Kunle: I didn’t choose the “Good Samaritan” story. I just wanted to write an engaging story from my childhood. It just happened that the story was very similar to the Good Samaritan story. I haven’t developed the new stories yet, but you can be rest assured that they will all have positive morals to them.

Atomic-Mama: What was your favorite book growing up?
Kunle: I had several favorite books. I also had a lot of favorite oral stories growing up. My favorite is why the tortoise has a cracked shell.

Atomic-Mama: What made you choose to switch to writing children’s books? Were your friends and family supportive of your leaving your tech career to move to writing?
Kunle: I just felt that African stories were no where to be found. Our history and culture is dying as the older generation passes on. It is my intent to preserve the stories and culture of African for future generations. Yes, my family and friends have been very supportive.

Atomic-Mama: What is the very best thing about writing for children?
Kunle: I get to meet different people and I interact with children. They are so excited when they meet an author and they are so energetic and excited about the future.

Atomic-Mama: How does the author and illustrator relationship work?
Kunle: We collaborated over the Internet. There was a lot of back and forth.

Atomic-Mama: What are you working on now?
Kunle: I’m promoting the book right now. I’ll be in Atlanta tomorrow, then Sacramento mid-week. I have a number of events in the Seattle area as well.

Atomic-Mama: Are you interested in speaking to teacher/librarian groups or to kids via school visits? If so, how can interested parties contact you?
Kunle: Definitely very interested in school/library visits. Interested Parties can contact me via our website at www.sikulu.com.

I want to thank Kunle for his time!! I look forward to reading more of his great stories!

You can purchase the book here.

OH – and I’ve got some awesome news too: YOU can win an autographed copy of this book!! Here is the information you will need:

Contest runs between October 26, 2008 and November 26, 2008.

Winner will be notified by blog post and will need to claim their prize by emailing me (Christine) with your name and address and the name you want the book made out to.

  • Leave a comment here on this blog post for 1 entry.
  • More ways to enter: Stumble the contest (1 entry), Twitter the contest (1 entry), Add to Kirtsy, Digg, Etc. (1 entry each). Let me know in the aforementioned blog post what you did.
  • Blogging about the contest on your blog will get you 5 entries.
  • Please also visit the Sikulu and Harabe website. Why? Because I said so and this is my contest!

Ready? Get set? GO! You have until 9pm est on November 26th to enter! Tell your friends!

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20 Comments »

  • Sikulu & Harambe By The Zambezi River | Parent Reviewers said:

    [...] Atomic Mama – I do want to say that this was a wonderful take on an old “classic” – I liked it as much as my son did. In fact, we read it three times in one day! My son is three – but a younger child would enjoy this story also for the simpleness of it (and the beautiful illustrations by Bruce McCorkindale). The older kids will appreciate the story – which is basically “be kind to others.” It’s a wonderful moral and a wonderful and cultural retelling. The book goes even a step (or two) further by even having a glossary of words used in the book. This is a great way for your children to learn more about life and the language of Zambia. [...]

    # 28 October 2008 at 11:13 pm
  • RebekahC said:

    I would love to win this book for my daughters. My oldest loves hippos, and the book in general sounds like it’s got an awesome message to tell.

    THANKS for the entry.

    RebekahC
    littleminx@cox.net

    # 2 November 2008 at 1:34 am
  • RebekahC said:

    I’ve STUMBLED this post w/my id of monkeygirlsmama.
    Thank you
    RebekahC
    littleminx@cox.net

    # 2 November 2008 at 1:34 am
  • kat c. said:

    I’m a storyteller, and I’m always in the look-out for great children’s books! =)

    # 2 November 2008 at 2:49 am
  • Janelle said:

    I previewed the entire story online and it looks like a wonderful book with a great message. My daughter love the hippo and the spider. What a fun friend combination!

    # 2 November 2008 at 5:47 pm
  • Abby said:

    Please enter me I would love to add this to my children’s library!

    # 2 November 2008 at 6:12 pm
  • Jen @ BigBinder said:

    I LOVE your review of this book! I really enjoy books that teach a lesson kids have heard before, but in another way and with some cultural info to boot. Please enter me! I don’t twitter, stumble, digg or kirtsy so this comment will have to do as my entry:)

    # 2 November 2008 at 6:17 pm
  • amandasue said:

    Looks like a cute book, please enter me thanks!

    # 2 November 2008 at 8:20 pm
  • JT said:

    What a beautiful story idea! Sign me up, please, for the contest!

    # 3 November 2008 at 7:29 pm
  • Wednesday Contest Roundup! | Lisa's Contests said:

    [...] Atomic Mama is giving away an autographed copy of the children’s book “Sikulu and Harambe by the Zambezi River. [...]

    # 5 November 2008 at 1:44 pm
  • Dan Rugg said:

    My son loves reading and is very big on animals and going to the zoo as well as learning about animals from different places please enter me to win!!

    # 7 November 2008 at 6:34 pm
  • Marlene said:

    Love reading books to my children this one sounds fantastic enter me please!

    # 7 November 2008 at 6:34 pm
  • Autographed copy of Sikulu & Harambe by the Zambezi River | Mom Giveaways said:

    [...] If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Where: Atomic-Mama.com What: Autographed copy of Sikulu & Harambe by the Zambezi River How To Enter: See [...]

    # 8 November 2008 at 11:03 am
  • Jennifer said:

    I love books and so do my kids! This would be a great win!

    # 8 November 2008 at 8:29 pm
  • Mommy Niri said:

    Coming from South Africa, this would be wonderful to share with my 2 little girls out here.

    # 25 November 2008 at 1:10 pm
  • Rebecca C said:

    I love to read books to my kids!

    # 26 November 2008 at 12:53 am
  • Rebecca C said:

    I tweeted.

    Username: wastebasket

    mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

    # 26 November 2008 at 12:54 am
  • Rebecca C said:

    I stumbled your giveaway

    Username: wastebasketsa

    mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

    # 26 November 2008 at 12:54 am
  • Brooke said:

    My daughter’s school would LOVE this book!

    # 26 November 2008 at 11:46 am
  • Erica said:

    My little book addict would love this. I blogged about it and twittered it. ;)

    http://beautiful-mess.com/blog/?p=2327

    # 26 November 2008 at 1:38 pm

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