for ages 3-6
Awarded “Best Illustrated Childrens's Book” by The New York Times Book Review,

Reading Level:3-7
Awards: Best Illustrated Children's Book

11 copies

Illustrated throughout, this tale explains why people today must grow and harvest their own food. In the beginning eating was simple - everyone reached up and ate a piece of the sky. Through carelessness and waste the people eventually angered the sky and it sailed upwards - out of reach.

This Nigerian folktale about how human greed forced the sky to move far away from the Earth was very enjoyable to read. This story gives young children a chance to experience a traditional tale from another culture while also instilling them with the values of humility and generosity. The one quarrel I had with this book was that it is another story about a woman whose poor judgment results in the misfortune of all. Being a feminist, I am always bothered by this theme; however, I understand that this is the story as it was told over 500 years ago, and I appreciate this traditional tale for that reason. ( )