Tololwa M. Mollel, illustrated by Paul Morin,
The Orphan Boy
Oxford University Press, 1990, 2009.

Rating: G*

This is a new edition of Mollel’s classic award-winning picture book originally published in 1990. It has been redesigned to look a bit more contemporary, and ten new illustrations have been added, many of which seem to be taken from the accompanying black and white illustrations in the original book. The result is much earthier and more reminiscent of African landscapes; the texture of the original paintings is more evident as the bits of African earth, sticks and grit ‘built-in’ to them are much more visible. Also included in this edition are a Publisher’s Note describing the Massai way of life and updated biographies of the author and illustrator.

The story is the re-telling of a Massai legend about an orphan boy who becomes the morning star in a tale reminiscent of the story of the Garden of Eden. A beautiful new edition and a lovely story to share with older readers. A secondary pick for most collections.

Thematic Links: Africa; Massai People; Legends

Michelle Gowans
Vol. 14, number 3
February 2009

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.