Elphinstone Dayrell (1869–1917)

This traditional tale is a tribal 'pourquoi' (por-kwa: french for 'why' - an old legend told to explain why something is the way it is) sharing how the Sun and the Moon came to live in the sky from an African point of view. While the story is decent, albeit predictable (following the typical format of this type of folklore), the illustrations really bring it to life! The use of cool tones (blues and greens) to represent the water is in perfect contrast to the warm, golden hues of the sun characters and bright white (silver?) tones of the moon character. Additionally, the detail paid to each individual water character (shape, line, pattern) is a marvel to behold as well.

The district commissioner of Southern Nigeria, Elphimstone Dayrell, first heard this story from the people of his region, the Efik-Ibibio, and recorded it in his book Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa in 1910. The Illustrator, Blair Lent (who one a Caldecott Honor for his authentic depiction of tribesmen dressed to represent the elements and creatures of the sea) says his pictures are influenced by all of Africa and not one single tribe or country.… (meer)

This book was a great read due to its concise delivery of information. There are surely many in-betweens for the information it provides, but the book acts more as a primer for knowledge. Alongside this, the illustrations are very traditional, but with childlike elements which begs appreciation from the viewer. The straightforward narration may cause the reader to hear the traditional deep-voiced narrator as the characters do things and speak. This book gives children a basis for traditional literature.… (meer)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book's story and illustrations. The sun and water were friends, and the sun would always go to the water's house. The sun asked why the water never came to his house? The water replied because your house is too small. The Sun built a bigger house then and the story gets better from there.The illustration are depicted as people dressed up like the sun, moon and water. It's like watching a still play. There are many learning points in the book like why the water couldn't fit, and why the sun and moon now lives in the sky. Great read.… (meer)